
Gass_-w 
Book • 



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57th Congkess, \ SENATE. j Document 

1st Session. f ( No. 67. 



REPORT 



OF 



WILLIAM W. BOCKHILL, 

LATE COMMISSIONER TO CHINA, 



y 



WITH 



ACCOMPANYING DOCUMENTS. 



, , ' . . 



WASHINGTON: 

GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE. 

1901. 



J) 2 
•5 



™P? 6-0 22 43 



MESSAGE 

FROM THE 

PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, 



TRANSMITTING 



CHINA, WITH ACCCOMPANYING I )OCUMENTS. 



December 12, 1901. — Read; referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations and 

ordered to be printed. 



To the Senate and House of Representatives : 

I transmit a report from the Hon. William W. Rockhill, late com- 
missioner to China, of the results of his mission to that countiy, with 
accompanying documents. 

Theodore Roosevelt. 
White House, 

Washington, December 11, 1901. 



The President: 

I have the honor to submit to you, with a view of transmittal to the 
Congress, if it meet your approval, a report from the Hon. William 
W. Rockhill, late commissioner to China, of the results of his mission 
to that country, with accompanying documents. 
Respectfully submitted. 

John Hay. 
Department of State, 

Washington, December 5, 1901. 



Department of State, 
Washington, November 30, 1901. 
Sir: In July, 1900, when the antiforeign uprising in China had cut the 
Government off from communication with our minister at Peking, and 
it was deemed of great importance that the general condition of affairs 
in that country should be promptly reported on and the bearing of 
events on American interests exactly determined, the President was 
pleased to appoint me commissioner of the United States to China. 

3 



4 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 

I reached Shanghai on the 29th of August and proceeded at once to 
Peking, where I discussed with our minister, Mr. Conger, the situation 
and the steps he proposed taking to hasten the restoration of order 
and for the protection of American persons and propert} T , and I was 
pleased to be able to report to you that I full}: concurred with him in 
all the measures he had been and was advocating 

After a brief stay at Peking I returned to Shanghai and then visited 
the Viceroy Liu K'un-yi at Nanking, and later the Viceroy Chang Chih- 
tung at Wu-chang, for the purpose of thanking them, in the name of 
the United States, for the perfect manner in which they and the other 
vicero} T s had maintained peace, and the friendly spirit they and their 
provincial administrations were showing foreigners during these trou- 
blesome times. I wished also to ascertain their views on the question 
of the restoration of order and the return of His Majesty the Emperor 
to Peking. The courteous and friendly receptions given me by the two 
viceroys, and the personal relations which I was thus so fortunate as 
to establish, and which were kept up during the remainder of my mis- 
sion in China, did not a little, I think, in the interest of peace and the 
common benefit of the two countries. 

After returning to Shanghai and conferring with the various Ameri- 
can commercial and missionary bodies there, I left again for Peking, 
where you had directed me to proceed to act as counselor and adviser 
of the American minister in the negotiations then begun. I discharged 
this duty, and, I am pleased to say, always in perfect harmony with 
our minister, until the 23d of February of this year, when Mr. Conger, 
having obtained from you leave of absence with permission to visit the 
United States, I was appointed by the President, under telegraphic 
instructions from you, plenipotentiary to continue the negotiations on 
the part of the United States. In this capacity I acted until Septem- 
ber 7, when the Final Protocol, embodying the results of the negotia- 
tions between the various powers and China, was signed. I then left 
for the United States and arrived at Washington on October 23. 

The different phases of the negotiations between the powers and 
China, which extended over a period of about fourteen months, are 
shown in detail in the correspondence of Mr. Conger and myself with 
the Department and also in the printed minutes of the various meetings 
of the conference at Peking. With these before 3 r ou I shall not go over 
these questions again. I shall confine myself to summarizing the work 
of the United States in the conference. 

The circular note which you telegraphed on July 3, 1900, to our 
embassies in Europe and to our missions in Vienna, Brussels, Madrid, 
Tokyo, The Hague, and Lisbon defined the policy then already adopted 
by the United States in the settlement of affairs in China and from 
which they never departed. Bearing these instructions always in 
mind, th'e'task of the agents of our Government in Peking was a com- 
paratively easy one. Throughout the negotiations our object was to 
use the influence of our Government in the interest of justice and 
moderation and in a spirit of equal friendship to the powers nego- 
tiating jointly with us and the Chinese nation. 

The twelve demands made by the powers on China, the accomplish- 
ment of which was deemed necessary for the restoration of normal 
relations with that country and which were embodied in the joint note 
of December 22, 1900, may be classified under four principal heads: 
(1) Adequate punishment for the authors of and those guilty of actual 



REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 5 

participation in the antiforeign massacres and riots; (2) the adoption 
of measures necessary to prevent their recurrence; (3) the indemnifi- 
cation for losses sustained by States and foreigners through these 
riots; and (4) the improvement of our relations, both official and com- 
mercial, with the Chinese Government and with China generally. 

As regards the punishment of the responsible authors and actual 
perpetrators of the antiforeign outrages, the Government of the 
United States, while insisting that all such should be held to the 
utmost accountability, declined to determine in every case the nature 
of the punishment to be inflicted, and maintained that the Chinese 
Government itself should in all cases carry them out. 

As soon as the chief culprits had been punished, considering the 
terrible losses in life and propert} T sustained by China, not only through 
the Boxers and their adherents, but by the destruction of Tientsin, 
Peking, and the military occupation of a large portion of the Province 
of Chih-li, the United States threw the weight of its influence on the 
side of moderation and the prevention of further bloodshed. To this 
it was mainly due that the long lists of proscription, which had been 
prepared by the representatives of the powers, of Chinese in the 
provinces charged with participation in the massacres or riots, were 
repeatedly revised before presentation to the Chinese Government. 
The demands for capital punishment were finally reduced from ten to 
four and many names erroneously or on insufficient evidence placed 
on the lists were removed, or lighter forms of punishment asked for 
numbers of those left on them. 

While seeking with the other powers the best means to prevent the 
recurrence of such troubles and to guard the future American resi- 
dents in Peking from such dangers as they had passed through, the 
United States did not lend its support to any plan which contemplated 
either the prolonged occupation by foreign troops of any portions or 
points in China or the erection of an international fort in the city of 
Peking from which to carry on friendly relations with the Chinese 
Government. Our policy has always been in favor of a strong, inde- 
pendent, and responsible Chinese Government, which can and will be 
held accountable for the maintenance of order and the protection of 
our citizens and their rights under the treaties. Throughout the nego- 
tiations we strictly adhered to this just principle, with results which 
have proved beneficial to all. 

As regards the third point of the negotiations, the equitable indem- 
nification of the various states for the losses and expenses incurred by 
them in China and in sending expeditionary forces to relieve the lega- 
tions and foreign residents at Peking and restore order, and also the 
securing of indemnities to societies, companies, and individuals for 
their private losses through the anti-foreign riots, the Government of 
the United States advocated that the sum total of these indemnities 
should not exceed a reasonable amount, well within the power of China 
to pa} T . After careful inquiry you reached the conclusion that with 
her present resources and liabilities, China could not pay as indemni- 
ties to the powers more than two hundred millions of dollars, and that 
the exaction of any larger amount would not only entail permanent 
financial embarrassment on the country, but might possibly result in 
either international financial control or even loss of territory. The 
representative of the United States was instructed accordingly, and he 
was further told that in the opinion of our Government the amount 



b REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 

should be asked of China by the powers jointly, without detail or 
explanation, and afterwards divided among them, according- to their 
losses and disbursements. You also stated that every facility of pay- 
ment should be accorded China, and that the debt should be paid by 
bonds issued at par and bearing 3 per cent interest and running for 
thirty or forty years. 

Though it became necessary, after protracted discussion in the con- 
ference, to accept the proposition of the other powers to demand of 
China the sum total of their losses and disbursements, reaching the 
enormous sum of 1333,000,000, our insistance in pressing for a much 
lower sum, and the weight of the arguments adduced in favor of such a 
policy, resulted in closing the indemnities at the above lump sum, when 
they bid fair to go on swelling indefinitely. This, and the acceptance 
of your suggestion that the indemnities be paid in bonds issued at par 
and bearing a low rate of interest (4 per cent was finally agreed upon) 
and running for forty years, resulted in saving a vast sum to China, 
hastened the evacuation of the country by the expeditionary forces 
and the restoration of order and of normal relations with the Chinese 
Government. 

In connection with the question of the indemnit} r , I should particu- 
larly mention that, it having been proved necessary to the powers in 
their search for revenues applicable to the service of the indemnity 
debt that the existing nominal 5 per cent ad valorem customs tariff on 
foreign imports should be made an effective 5 per cent ad valorem, the 
United States, mindful of the furtherance of lawful commerce in 
China in the interests of the world, and believing that no opportunity 
should be lost to secure to foreign trade all the facilities its vast 
importance entitles it to, and that any additional tax on trade should 
be met by commercial compensations on the part of China of equal 
value, declined to consent to the above increase of the customs tariff 
on imports unless (1) all the treaty powers and China agreed to 
cooperate in the long desired improvement of the water approaches to 
Shanghai and Tientsin, and (2) that specific duties should be substituted 
to the present ad valorem ones in the tariff on foreign imports. Both 
of these conditions were ultimately agreed upon. 

No divergence of views existed fortunately between the representa- 
tives of the powers on the question of improving the channels of direct 
communication between them and the Chinese Government. The long 
vexed question of the ceremonial to be observed in the public audiences 
granted by the Emperor of China to foreign representatives was finally 
settled by the plenipotentiaries on lines perfectly satisfactory to all 
parties to the negotiations. The Tsungli Yamen, or bureau of foreign 
affairs, which the experience of forty years had shown Chinese and 
foreigners alike was unwieldly and incapable of discharging the duties 
devolving upon it, was altered in the way suggested by the conference, 
changed into a responsible ministry of foreign affairs, and organized 
on lines similar to those adopted in every other country of the world. 

Such, in brief, has been the part played b}^ the United States in the 
conference of Peking. While we maintained complete independence, 
we were able to act harmoniously in the concert of powers, the exist- 
ence of which was so essential to a prompt and peaceful settlement of 
the situation, we retained the friendship of all the negotiating powers, 
exerted a salutary influence in the cause of moderation, humanit} T , and 
justice, secured adequate reparation for wrongs done our citizens, 



KEPOET OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 7 

guaranties for their future protection, and labored successfully in the 
interests of the whole world in the cause of equal and impartial trade 
with all parts of the Chinese Empire. 

I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant, 

W. W. Rockhill, 
Commissioner of the United States to China. 
Hon. John Hay, 

Secretary of State, Washington. 



NEGOTIATIONS OF THE POWERS WITH CHINA. 
List of papers. 

Mr. Hay to the United States representative in Berlin, Brussels, London, Lisbon, 
Madrid, Paris, Rome, St. Petersburg, The Hague, and Tokyo, July 3, 1900. Telegram. 

Emperor of China to the President, July 19, 1900. 

The President to the Emperor of China, July 23, 1900. 

Mr. Hay to Mr. Rockhill, No. 2, July 27, 1900. 

Mr. Wu Tingfang to Mr. Hay, August 12, 1900. Memorandum. 

Mr. Hay to Mr. Wu Tingfang, August 12, 1900. Memorandum. 

Mr. Wu Tingfang to Mr. Adee, August 20, 1900. Memorandum. 

Mr. Wu Tingfang to Mr. Adee, August 21, 1900. Memorandum. 

Mr. Hay to Mr. Wu Tingfang, August 22, 1900. Memorandum. 

Mr. de Wollant to Mr. Adee, August 4-17, 1900. 

Mr. Adee to Mr. de Wollant, August 23, 1900. 

Mr. Adee to Mr. de W r ollant, August 25, 1900. 

Mr. Adee to United States representatives at Berlin, Paris, London, Rome, Tokyo, 
St. Petersburg, and Vienna, August 24, 1900. Circular telegram. 

Mr. Adee to United States representatives at Berlin, Paris, London, Rome, Tokyo, 
St. Petersburg, and Vienna, August 29, 1900. Circular telegram. 

Mr. Wu Tingfang to Mr. Hill, September 9, 1900. Memorandum. 

Mr. Hill to Mr. Wu Tingfang, September 11, 1900. Memorandum. 

Mr. Wu Tingfang to Mr. Hill, September 11, 1900. Memorandum. 

Mr. Hill to Mr. Wu Tingfang, September 12, 1900. Memorandum. 

Mr. Wu Tingfang to Mr. Adee, September 17, 1900. Memorandum. 

Mr. Hill to Mr. Wu Tingfang, September 17, 1900. Memorandum. 

Mr. de Wollant to Mr. Adee, September 17, 1900. Memorandum. 

Mr. Adee to Mr. de Wollant, September 21, 1901. Memorandum. 

Baron Sternburg to Secretary of State, September 18, 1900. 

Mr. Hill to Baron Sternburg, September 21, 1900. 

Chinese minister to Secretary of State, October 2, 1900. Memorandum. 

Baron Sternburg to Mr. Hay, October 2, 1900. Memorandum. 

Mr. Hay to Baron Sternburg, October 3, 1900. Memorandum. 

Mr. Thiebaut to Mr. Hay, October 4. 1900. 

Mr. Hay to Mr. Thiebaut, October 10, 1900. 

Chinese Emperor to the President, October 14, 1900. 

The President to the Chinese Emperor, October 18, 1900. 

Mr. Thiebaut to Mr. Hay, October 17, 1900. Memorandum. 

Secretary of State to Mr. Thiebaut, October 19, 1900. Memorandum. 

Lord Pauncefote to Mr. Hay, No. 315, October 23, 1900. 

Mr. Hay to Lord Pauncefote, No. 1697, October 29, 1900. 

Mr. Conger to Mr. Hay, No. 408, September 10, 1900. 

Mr. Conger to Mr. Hay, No. 411, September 13, 1900. 

Mr. Conger to Mr. Hay, No. 413, September 16, 1900. 

Mr. Conger to Mr. Hay, No. 416, September 20, 1900. 

Mr. Conger to Mr. Hav, No. 419, September 27, 1900. 

Mr. Conger to Mr. Hav, No. 423, October 4, 1900. 

Mr. Conger to Mr. Hay, No. 427, October 19, 1900. 

Mr. Hay to Mr. Conger, No. 289, October 23, 1900. 

Mr. Conger to Mr. Hav, No. 429, October 25, 1900. 

Mr. Conger to Mr. Hay, No. 431, October 27, 1900. 

Mr. Conger to Mr. Hay, No. 435. October 30, 1900. 



REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 

Mr. Conger to Mr. Hay, No. 436, November 2, 1900. 
Mr. Rockhill to Mr. Hay, No. 22, November 16, 1900. 
Mr. Hill to Mr. Rockhill, No. 16, January 11, 1901. 
Mr. Conger to Mr. Hay, No. 451, November 16, 1900. 
Mr. Conger to Mr. Hay, No. 454, November 20, 1900. 
Mr. Conger to Mr. Hay, No. 455, November 20, 1900. 
Mr. Conger to Mr. Hay, No. 459, November 26, 1900. 
Mr. Conger to Mr. Hay, No. 461, November 30, 1900. 
Mr. Conger to Mr. Hay, No. 466, December 5, 1900. 
Mr. Conger to Mr. Hay, No. 474, December 12, 1900. 
Mr. Conger to Mr. Hay, No. 475, December 12, 1900. 
Mr. Conger to Mr. Hay, No. 478, December 17, 1900. 
Mr. Conger to Mr. Hay, No. 482, December 23, 1900. 
Mr. Conger to Mr. Hay, No. 483, December 24, 1900. 
Mr. Conger to Mr. Hay, No. 492, January 5, 1901. 
Mr. Conger to Mr. Hay, No. 493, January 5, 1901. 
Mr. Conger to Mr. Hay, No. 495, January 8, 1901. 
Mr. Conger to Mr. Hay, No. 506, January 19, 1901. 
Mr. Conger to Mr. Hav, No. 511, January 26, 1901. 
Mr. Conger to Mr. Hay, No. 520, February 5, 1901. 
Mr. Conger to Mr. Hay, No. 527, February 7, 1901. 
Mr. Conger to Mr. Hay, No. 536, February 16, 1901. 
Mr. Conger to Mr. Hay, No. 538, Februarv 18, 1901. 
Mr. Conger to Mr. Hay, No. 540, February 20, 1901. 
Mr. Conger to Mr. Hav, No. 542, February 21, 1901. 
Mr. Conger to Mr. Hay, No. 552, February 28, 1901. 
Mr. Rockhill to Mr. Hay, No. 30, February 26, 1901. 
Mr. Rockhill to Mr. Hay, No. 31, February 28, 1901. 
Mr. Hay to Mr. Rockhill, No. 21, April 18, 1901. 
Mr. Rockhill to Mr. Hay, No. 32, March 2, 1901. 
Mr. Conger to Mr. Hay, No. 558, March 4, 1901. 
Mr. Hav to Mr. Rockhill, No. 22, April 18, 1901. 
Mr. Rockhill to Mr. Hay, No. 35, March 7, 1901: 
Mr. Rockhill to Mr. Hay, No. 36, March 7, 1901. 
Mr. Hill to Mr. Rockhill, No. 23, May 3, 1901. 
Mr. Rockhill to Mr. Hay, No. 37, March 8, 1901. 
Mr. Rockhill to Mr. Hay, No. 39, March 12, 1901. 
Mr. Rockhill to Mr. Hav, No. 41, March 13, 1901. 
Mr. Rockhill to Mr. Hay, No. 42, March 14, 1901. 
Mr. Rockhill to Mr. Hay, No. 43, March 18, 1901. 
Mr. Rockhill to Mr. Hay, No. 44, March 19, 1901. 
Mr. Rockhill to Mr. Hay, No. 45, March 20, 1901. 
Mr. Rockhill to Mr. Hay, No. 46, March 22, 1901. 
Mr. Rockhill to Mr. Hay, No. 50, March 28, 1901. 
Mr. Rockhill to Mr. Hay, No. 52, March 29, 1901. 
Mr. Rockhill to Mr. Hay, No. 54, April 2, 1901. 
Mr. Rockhill to Mr. Hay, No. 56, April 4, 1901. 
Mr. Hay to Mr. Rockhill, April 5, 1901. 
Mr. Rockhill to Mr. Hay, No. 57, April 8, 1901. 
Mr. Rockhill to Mr. Hay, No. 59, April 11, 1901. 
Mr. Rockhill to Mr. Hay, No. 60, April 11, 1901. , 
Mr. Rockhill to Mr. Hay, No. 64, April 15, 1901. 
Mr. Rockhill to Mr. Hav, No. 67, April 16, 1901. 
Mr. Rockhill to Mr. Hay, No. 69, April 16, 1901. 
Mr. Rockhill to Mr. Hay, No. 70, April 17, 1901. 
Mr. Rockhill to Mr. Hay, No. 71, April 24, 1901. 
Mr. Rockhill to Mr. Hay, No. 72, April 24, 1901. 
Mr. Rockhill to Mr. Hay, No. 74, April 23, 1901. 
•Mr. Rockhill to Mr. Hay, No. 76, April 26, 1901. 
Mr. Rockhill to Mr. Hay, No. 79, May 1, 1901. 
Mr. Rockhill to Mr. Hay, No. 80, May 6, 1901. 
Mr. Rockhill to Mr. Hay, No. 82, May 7, 1901. 
Mr. Rockhill to Mr. Hay, No. 85, Mav 13, 1901. 
Mr. Rockhill to Mr. Hay, No. 86, May 16, 1901. 
Mr. Rockhill to Mr. Hay, No. 88, May 16, 1901. 
Mr. Rockhill to Mr. Hay, No. 89, Mav 20, 1901. 
Mr. Rockhill to Mr. Hay, No. 90, May 20, 1901. 



REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 9 

Mr. Rockhill to Mr. Hay, No. 92, May 22, 1901. 

Mr. Hay to Mr. Rockhill, No. 26, July 18, 1901. 

Mr. Rockhill to Mr. Hay, No. 93, Mav 23, 1901. 

Mr. Rockhill to Mr. Hay, No. 94, May 25, 1901. 

Mr. Rockhill to Mr. Hav, No. 95, May 25, 1901. 

Mr. Rockhill to Mr. Hav, No. 96, May 27, 1901. 

Mr. Rockhill to Mr. Hay, No. 98, May 28, 1901. 

Mr. Rockhill to Mr. Hay, No. 99, May 29, 1901. 

Mr. Rockhill to Mr. Hay, No. 100, May 30, 1901. 

Mr. Rockhill to Mr. Hay, No. 101, May 31, 1901. 

Mr. Rockhill to Mr. Hay, No. 102, June 1, 1901. 

Mr. Rockhill to Mr. Hay, No. 104, June 1, 1901. 

Mr. Rockhill to Mr. Hay, No. 105, June 3, 1901. 

Mr. Rockhill to Mr. Hav, No. 106, June 4, 1901. 

Mr. Rockhill to Mr. Hay, No. 107, June 5, 1901. 

Mr. Hay to Mr. Rockhill, No. 20, June 11, 1901. 

Mr. Hill to Mr. Rockhill, No. 30, July 20, 1901. 

Mr. Rockhill to Mr. Hay, No. 109, June 6, 1901. 

Mr. Hill to Mr. Rockhill, No. 29, July 20, 1901. 

Mr. Rockhill to Mr. Hay, No. 110, June 8, 1901. 

Mr. Rockhill to Mr. Hay, No. 112, June 8, 1901. 

Mr. Hill to Mr. Rockhill, No. 28, July 20, 1901. 

Mr. Rockhill to Mr. Hay, No. 114, June 11, 1901. 

Mr. Hill to Mr. Rockhill, No. 31, July 24, 1901. 

Mr. Rockhill to Mr. Hav, No. 115, June 12, 1901. 

Mr. Rockhill to Mr. Hay, No. 116, June 13, 1901. 

Mr. Adee to Mr. Rockhill, No. 32, August 3, 1901. 

Mr. Rockhill to Mr. Hav, No. 117, June 13, 1901. 

Mr. Rockhill to Mr. Hay, No. 118, June 15, 1901. 

Mr. Rockhill to Mr. Hay, No. 119, June 18, 1901. 

Mr. Rockhill to Mr. Hay, No. 120, June 19, 1901. 

Mr. Rockhill to Mr. Hay, No. 121, June 22, 1901. 

Mr. Rockhill to Mr. Hay, No. 122, June 22, 1901. 

Mr. Rockhill to Mr. Hay, No. 123, June 22, 1901. 

Mr. Rockhill to Mr. Hay, No. 124, June 24, 1901. 

Mr. Rockhill to Mr. Hay, No. 125, June 25, 1901. 

Mr. Rockhill to Mr. Hay, No. 127, June 27, 1901. 

Mr. Rockhill to Mr. Hay, No. 129, July 3, 1901. 

Mr. Rockhill to Mr. Hay, No. 130, July 8, 1901. 

Mr. Rockhill to Mr. Hay, No. 131, July 9, 1901. 

Mr. Rockhill to Mr. Hay, No. 133, July 15, 1901. 

Mr. Rockhill to Mr. Hay, No. 135, July 18, 1901. 

Mr. Rockhill to Mr. Hay, No. 139, July 23, 1901. 

Mr. Rockhill to Mr. Hay, No. 140, July 25, 1901. 

Mr. Rockhill to Mr. Hay, No. 141, July 25, 1901. 

Mr. Rockhill to Mr. Hay, No. 142, July 26, .1901. 

Mr. Rockhill to Mr. Hay, No. 143, July 27, 1901. 

Mr. Rockhill to Mr. Hay, No. 144, July 27, 1901. 

Mr. Rockhill to Mr. Hay, No. 145, July 30, 1901. 

Mr. Rockhill to Mr. Hay, No. 146, July 31, 1901. 

Mr. Rockhill to Mr. Hay, No. 147, July 31, 1901. 

Mr. Rockhill to Mr. Hav, No. 148, August 6, 1901. 

Mr. Rockhill to Mr. Hay, No. 149, August 8, 1901. 

Mr. Rockhill to Mr. Hay, No. 150, August 8, 1901. 

Mr. Rockhill to Mr. Hay, No. 151, August 8, 1901. 
• Mr. Rockhill to Mr. Hay, No. 152, August 9, 1901. 

Mr. Rockhill to Mr. Hay, No. 153, August 12, 1901. 

Mr. Rockhill to Mr. Hay, No. 154, August 12, 1901. 

Mr. Rockhill to Mr. Hav, No. 155, August 19, 1901. 

Mr. Rockhill to Mr. Hay, No. 156, August 29, 1901. 

Mr. Rockhill to Mr. Hay, No. 157, August 29, 1901. 

Minutes of the third conference of the representatives of the powers with the Chi- 
nese plenipotentiaries, September 7, 1901. 

Final protocol (French text). [Signed September 7, 1901.] 

Final protocol with 19 annexes (translation). [Signed September 7, 1901.] 

Mr. Conger to Mr. Hay, No. 776, October 14, 1901. 



10 



REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 



TELEGRAPHIC CORRESPONDENCE. 



[August 26, 1900, to September 10, 1901.] 



Mr. Adee to Mr. Conger. 
Mr. Conger to Secretary 
Mr. Hill to Mr. Conger, 
Mr. Conger to Secretary 
Mr. Hill to Mr. Conger, 
Mr. Conger to Secretary 
Mr. Hay to Mr. Conger, 
Mr. Conger to Secretary 
Mr. Hav to Mr. Conger, 
Mr. Conger to Mr. Hay, 
Mr. Hay to Mr. Conger, 
Mr. Hay to Mr. Conger, 
Mr. Conger to Mr. Hay, 
Mr. Conger to Mr. Hay, 
Mr. Hay to Mr. Conger, 
Mr. Hay to Mr. Conger, 
Mr. Hay to Mr. Conger, 
Mr. Conger to Mr. Hay, 
Mr. Hay to Mr. Conger, 
Mr. Conger to Mr. Hav, 
Mr. Hay to Mr. Conger, 
Mr. Conger to Mr. Hay, 
Mr. Conger to Mr. Hay, 
Mr. Hay to Mr. Conger, 
Mr. Conger to Mr. Hay, 
Mr. Hay to Mr. Conger, 
Mr. Conger to Mr. Hay, 
Mr. Hay to Mr. Conger, 
Mr. Conger to Mr. Hav, 
Mr. Hay to Mr. Conger, 
Mr. Conger to Mr. Hav, 
Mr. Hay to Mr. Conger, 
Mr. Conger to Mr. Hay, 
Mr. Conger to Mr. Hay, 
Mr. Hay to Mr. Conger, 
Mr. Conger to Mr. Hay, 
Mr. Conger to Mr. Hay, 
Mr. Hay to Mr. Conger, 
Mr. Conger to Mr. Hay, 
Mr. Hay to Mr. Conger, 
Mr. Conger to Mr. Hay, 
Mr. Hay to Mr. Conger, 
Mr. Conger to Mr. Hay, 
Mr. Hay to Mr. Conger, 
Mr. Hay to Mr. Conger, 
Mr. Conger to Mr. Hay, 
Mr. Conger to Mr. Hay, 
Mr. Conger to Mr. Hay, 
Mr. Conger to Mr. Hay, 
Mr. Hay to Mr. Conger, 
Mr. Hay to Mr. Conger, 
Mr. Conger, to Mr. Hay, 
Mr. Hay to Mr. Conger, 
Mr. Conger to Mr. Hay, 
Mr. Conger to Mr. Hay, 
Mr. Conger to Mr. Hay, 
Mr. Conger to Mr. Hay, 
Mr. Conger to Mr. Hay, 
Mr. Hay to Mr. Conger, 
Mr. Hay to Mr. Conger, 
Mr. Hay to Mr. Conger, 
Mr. Conger to Mr. Hay, 
Mr. Conger to Mr. Hay, 
Mr. Hay to Mr. Conger, 



August 26, 1900. Telegram, 
of State, September 12, 1900. Telegram. 
September 22, 1900. Telegram, 
of State, September 27, 1900. Telegram. 
September 29, 1900. Telegram, 
of State, October 3, 1900. Telegram. 
October 3, 1900. Telegram, 
of State, October 16, 1900. Telegram. 
October 19, 1900. Telegram. 

Telegram. 

Telegram. 

Telegram. 
Telegram. 



October 26, 1900 
October 29, 1900. 
October 30, 1900. 
November 1, 1900 
November 6, 1900 
November 9, 1900. 
November 9, 1900. 
November 16, 1900. 
November 16, 1900. 
November 16, 1900. 
November 19, 1900. 
November 20, 1900. 
November 21, 1900. 
November 23, 1900. 
November 23, 1900. 
November 24, 1900. 
November 27, 1900. 
December 4, 1900. 
December 5, 1900. 
December 16, 1900. 
December 17, 1900. 
December 19, 1900. 
December 19, 1900. 
December 20, 1900. 
December 20, 1900. 
December 21, 1900. 
December 22, 1900. 
December 24, 1900. 
December 29, 1900. 
December 30, 1900. 
December 31, 1900. 
January 1, 1901. 
January 3, 1901. 
January 7, 1901. 
Januarv 8, 1901. 
January 10, 1901. 
January 12, 1901. 
January 13, 1901. 
January 16, 1901. 
Januarv 23, 1901. 
January 26, 1901. 
January 29, 1901. 
Januarv 30, 1901. 
February 5, 1901. 
February 6, 1901. 
February 17, 1901 
Februarv 17, 1901 
February 18, 1901 
February 19, 1901 
February 19, 1901 
February 19, 1901 
February 19, 1901 
February 20, 1901 
February 21, 1901 
February 23, 1901 



Telegram. 

Telegram. 

Telegram. 

Telegram. 

Telegram. 

Telegram. 

Telegram. 

Telegram. 

Telegram. 

Telegram. 

Telegram. 

Telegram. 

Telegram. 
Telegram. 
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Telegram. 

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Telegram. 
. Telegram. 



REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 



11 



February 24, 1901 



K>, 



1901 



1901 
1901 
1901 
1901 



Mr 
Mr 
Mr 
Mr 
Mr 
Mr 
Mr 
Mr 
Mr 
Mr 
Mr 
Mr 
Mr 



Mr. Conger to Mr. Ha\ 
Mr. Conger to Mr. Hay, February 
Mr. Hav to Mr. Rockhill, March 1, 1901. 
Mr. Rockhill to Mr. Hav, March 2, 1901. 
Mr. Rochhill to Mr. Hav, March 12, 1901 
Mr. Rockhill to Mr. Hav, March 15 
Mr. Rockhill to Mr. Hav, March 18 
Mr. Hav to Mr. Rockhill, March 19 
Mr. Rockhill to Mr. Hav, March 20 

Rockhill to Mr. Hav, March 21, 1901. 

Rockhill to Mr. Hav, March 22, 1901. 

Hav to Mr. Rockhill, March 22, 1901. 

Hav to Mr. Rockhill, March 23, 1901. 

Rockhill to Mr. Hay, April 6, 1901. 

Rockhill to Mr. Hav, April 8, 1901. 

Hav to Mr. Rockhill, April 8, 1901. 

Hav to Mr. Rockhill, April 11, 1901 

Rockhill to Mr. Hay, April 13, 1901 

Rockhill to Mr. Hav, April 18, 

Rockhill to Mr. Hav, April 23 

Hav to Mr. Rockhill 

Rockhill to Mr. Hav 
Mr. Hav to Mr. Rockhill 
Mr. Rockhill to Mr. Hay 
Mr. Hav to Mr. Rockhill 
Mr. Rockhill to Mr. Hav 
Mr. Rockhill to Mr. Hav 
Mr. Rockhill to Mr. Hav, Mav 22, 1901 
Mr. Hav to Mr. Rockhill, Mav 22, 1901. 
Mr. Rockhill to Mr. Hav, Mav 25, 1901. 
Mr. Rockhill to Mr. Hav, May 29, 1901. 

Hay to Mr. Rockhill, Mav 28, 1901. 

Rockhill to Mr. Hav, June 1, 1901. 

Rockhill to Mr. Hav, June 8, 1901. 

Hav to Mr. Rockhill, June 8, 1901. 
Mr. Rockhill to Mr. Hav, June 11, 1901. 
Mr. Rockhill to Mr. Hav, June 11, 1901. 

Hav to Mr. Rockhill, June 12 

Rockhill to Mr. Hav 

Rockhill to Mr. Hav 

Hav to Mr. Rockhill 
Mr. Rockhill to Mr. Hav 
Mr. Rockhill to Mr. Hav 
Mr. Rockhill to Mr. Hav, Julv 16, 1901 
Mr. Rockhill to Mr. Hav, July 18, 1901. 
Mr. Hay to Mr. Rockhill, July 20, 1901. 
Mr. Rockkill to Mr. Hay, July 23, 1901. 
Mr. Hav to Mr. Rockhill, July 24, 1901. 
Mr. Rockhill to Mr. Hay, July 26, 1901. 
Mr. Rockhill to Mr. Hav, Julv 27, 1901. 
Mr. Rockhill to Mr. Hay, July 28, 1901. 
Mr. Hav to Mr. Rockhill, July 28, 1901. 
Mr. Rockhill to Mr. Hav, August 4, 1901. 
Mr. Hav to Mr. Rockhill, August 5, 1901. 



, 1901. 

, 1901. 
April 24, 1901. 
April 26, 1901. 
April 29, 1901. 
Mav 7, 1901. 
Mav 10, 1901. 
Mav 12, 1901. 
Mav 20, 1901 



Mr 

Mr 
Mr 
Mr 



Mr. 
Mr. 
Mr. 
Mr. 



1901. 
June 15, 1901. 
June 19, 1901. 
June 21, 1901. 
July 3, 1901. 
Julv 16, 1901. 



Telegram. 
Telegram. 
Telegram. 
Telegram. 
Telegram. 
Telegram. 
Telegram. 
Telegram. 
Telegram. 
Telegram. 
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Telegram. 
Telegram. 
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Telegram. 
Telegram. 
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Telegram. 
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Telegram. 



Mr. Rockhill to the United States consulate, Nankin, August 6, 1901. Telegram. 

United States consul at Nankin to Mr. Rockhill, August 7, 1901. Telegram. 

Mr. Rockhill to Mr. Hav, August 8, 1901. Telegram. 

Mr. Rockhill to Mr. Hav, August 10, 1901. Telegram. 

Mr. Rockhill to Mr. Hay, August 12, 1901. Telegram. 

Mr. Hav to Mr. Rockhill, August 14, 1901. Telegram. 

Mr. Rockhill to Mr. Hay, August 16, 1901. Telegram. 

Mr. Rockhill to Mr. Hay, August 22, 1901. Telegram. 

Mr. Rockhill to Mr. Hav, August 25, 1901. Telegram. 

Mr. Adee to Mr. Rockhill, September 3, 1901. Telegram. 

Mr. Rockhill to Secretary of State, September 3, 1901. Telegram. 

Mr. Rockhill to Secretarv of State, September 4, 1901. Telegram. 

Mr. Rockhill to Secretary of State, September 6, 1901. Telegram. 

Mr. Conger to Mr. Hay, September 10, 1901. Telegram. 



12 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 



NEGOTIATIONS OF THE POWEES WITH CHINA. 

Circular note of July 3, 1900, to the powers cooperating in China, 
defining the purposes and policy of the United States. 

[Circular telegram sent to the United States embassies in Berlin, Paris, London, Rome, and St 
Petersburg, and to the United States missions in Vienna, Brussels, Madrid, Tokyo, The Hague, and 
Lisbon.] 

Department of State, 
Washington, July 3, 1900. 

In this critical posture of affairs in China it is deemed appropriate 
to define the attitude of the United States as far as present circum- 
stances permit this to be done. We adhere to the policy initiated by 
us in 1857 of peace with the Chinese nation, of furtherance of lawful 
commerce, and of protection of lives and property of our citizens by 
all means guaranteed under extraterritorial treaty rights and by the 
law of nations. If wrong be done to our citizens we propose to hold 
the responsible authors to the uttermost accountability. We regard 
the condition at Pekin as one of virtual anarchy, whereby power and 
responsibility are practically devolved upon the local provincial 
authorities. So long as the} 7 are not in overt collusion with rebellion 
and use their power to protect foreign life and property, we regard 
them as representing the Chinese people, with whom we seek to remain 
in peace and friendship. The purpose of the President is, as it has 
been heretofore, to act concurrently with the other powers; first, in 
opening up communication with Pekin and rescuing the American offi- 
cials, missionaries, and other Americans who are in danger; secondly, 
in affording all possible protection everywhere in China to American 
life and property; thirdly, in guarding and protecting all legitimate 
American interests; and fourthly, in aiding to prevent a spread of the 
disorders to the other provinces of the Empire and a recurrence of 
such disasters. It is of course too early to forecast the means of 
attaining this last result; but the policy of the Government of the 
United States is to seek a solution which may bring about permanent 
safety and peace to China, preserve Chinese territorial and adminis- 
trative entity, protect all rights guaranteed to friendly powers by 
treaty and international law, and safeguard for the world the principle 
of equal and impartial trade with all parts of the Chinese Empire. 

You will communicate the purport of this instruction to the minister 
for foreign affairs. 

Hay. 



Translation of a cablegram received by Minister Wu on July W, 1900 , 
from the taotai of Shanghai, dated July 19, 1900. 

Have received a telegram from Governor Yuan (of Shantung), dated 
23d da} 7 of this moon (July 19), who, having received from the privy 
council (at Pekin) a dispatch embodying an Imperial letter to the Presi- 



REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 13 

dent of the United States, has instructed me to transmit it to your excel- 
lency. The Imperial message is respectfulty transmitted, as follows: 

The Emperor of China to His Excellency the President of the United States, greeting: 

China has long maintained friendly relations with the United States and is deeply 
conscious that the object of the United States is international commerce. Neither 
country entertains the least suspicion or distrust toward the other. Recent outbreaks 
of mutual antipathy between the people and Christian missions caused the foreign 
powers to view with unwarranted suspicion the position of the Imperial Government 
as favorable to the people and pred judicial to the missions, with the result that the 
Taku forts were attacked and captured. Consequently there has been clashing of 
forces with calamitous consequences. The situation has become more and more seri- 
ous and critical. We have just received a telegraphic memorial from our envoy, Wu 
Tingfang, and it is highly gratifying to us to learn that the United States Government, 
having in view the friendly relations between the two countries, has taken a deep 
interest in the present situation. Now China, driven by the irresistible course of 
events, has unfortunately incurred well-nigh universal indignation. For settling the 
present difficulty, China places special reliance in the United States. We address 
this message to your excellency in all sincerity and candidness, with the hope that 
your excellency will devise measures and take the initiative in bringing about a con- 
cert of the powers for the restoration of order and peace. The favor of a kind reply 
is earnestly requested and awaited with the greatest anxiety. 
K wang hsu, twenty-sixth year, sixth moon, 23d day {July 19, 1900). 

It is, therefore, my duty to transmit the above with the request that 
your excellency, in respectful obedience of Imperial wishes, will deliver 
the same to its high destination and favor me with a reply. 

Yu Lien-yuen, Taotai at Shanghai. 

Kwang-hsu, twenty-sixth year, sixth moon, 23d day (July 19, 1900). 



The President to the Emperor of China. 

The President of the United States to the Emperor of China, greeting : 
I have received Your Majesty's message of the 19th of July, and 
am glad to know that Your Majesty recognizes the fact that the Gov- 
ernment and people of the United States desire of China nothing but 
what is just and equitable. The purpose for which we landed troops 
in China was the rescue of our legation from grave danger and the 
protection of the lives and property of Americans who were sojourn- 
ing in China in the enjoyment of rights guaranteed them by treaty 
and by international law. The same purposes are publicty declared 
by all the powers which have landed military forces in Your Majesty's 
Empire. 

I am to infer from Your Majesty's letter that the malefactors who 
have disturbed the peace of China, who have murdered the minister 
of Germany and a member of the Japanese legation, and who now 
hold besieged in Pekin those foreign diplomatists who still survive, 
have not only not received any favor or encouragement from Your 
Majesty, but are actually in rebellion against the Imperial authority. 
If this be the case, I most solemnly urge upon Your Majesty's Gov- 
ernment to give public assurance whether the foreign ministers are 
alive, and if so, in what condition. 

2. To put the diplomatic representatives of the powers in immediate 
and free communication with their respective Governments and to 
remove all danger to their lives and liberty. 

3. To place the Imperial authorities of China in communication 
with the relief expedition, so that cooperation may be secured between 



14 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 

them for the liberation of the legations, the protection of foreigners, 
and the restoration of order. 

If these objects are accomplished it is the belief of this Government 
that no obstacles will be found to exist on the part of the powers to 
an amicable settlement of all the questions arising out of the recent 
troubles, and the friendly good offices of this Government will, with 
the assent of the other powers, be cheerfully placed at Your Majesty's 
disposition for that purpose. 

William McKinley. 

July 23, 1900. 

By the President: 

John Hay, Secretary of State. 



Mr. Hay to Mr. Bochhill. 

No. 2.] Department of State, 

Washington, July 27, 1900. 

Sir: Though it is not possible at the present moment to lay down 
the precise lines on which you are to discharge the duties assigned to 
you as commissioner of the United States to China, as supplementing 
the general oral instructions previously given you at the Department, 
it seems pertinent to inform you that your special duty will be to 
promptly and fully inform the Department on all subjects coming to 
your knowledge bearing on the present general condition of affairs in 
China, and particularly on all points in any way affecting the interests 
of the United States. 

As regards the policy of the United States in China, } t ou will be 
guided by my instruction of July 3, and as supplementary thereto by 
my note to the Chinese minister in Washington under date of July 
19, and the President's letter, dated July 23, to the Emperor of China. 

Copies of these documents are herewith sent you. 
1 am, etc., 

John Hay. 



[Delivered to the Department of State by the Chinese minister. Mr. Wu Ting-fang, August 12, 1900, 

10.15 a. m.] 

An Imperial edict forwarded by the privy council at Pekin under date 
of the fourteenth day of the seventh moon {August 8) to Governor 
Yuan at Tsi-nan, Shantxing, who transmitted it on the seventeenth 
day of the same moon {August 11) to the taotai at Shanghai, by 
whom it was retransmitted to Minister Wu, who received it on the 
night of the same day {August 11). 

The Imperial edict, as transmitted b} r the privy council, is as follows: 

In the present conflict between Chinese and foreigners there has been some mis- 
understanding on the part of foreign nations and also a want of proper manage- 
ment on the part of some of the local authorities. A clash of arms is followed by 
calamitous results and causes a rupture of friendly relations, which will ultimately 
do no good to the world. We hereby appoint Li Hung Chang as our envoy pleni- 
potentiary, with instructions to propose at once, by telegraph, to the Governments of 
the several powers concerned for the immediate cessation of hostile demonstrations 
pending negotiations, which he is hereby authorized to conduct for our part, for the 
settlement of whatever questions may have to be dealt with. The questions are to 
be severally considered in a satisfactory manner and the result of the negotiations 
reported to us for our sanction. Respect this. 



REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 15 

The above is respectfully copied for transmission on to Your Excel- 
lency, to be communicated to the Secretary of State for His Excellency's 
information. 

Note. — Mr. Wu also informed the State Department that subsequent to the receipt 
of the foregoing edict he had received a cablegram from Earl Li Hung Chang notify- 
ing his appointment, as above, and asking Minister Wu to request of the United 
States the cessation of hostile demonstrations. 



[Delivered to the Chinese minister, Mr. Wu Ting-fang, August 12, 1900, 4.30 p. m.] 

Memorandum touching the Imperial edict of August 8 appointing Li 
Hung Chang envoy plenipotentiary to conduct negotiations on the part 
of China with the powers, and the request for a cessation of hostilities, 
pending negotiations, communicated to Mr. Adee by Mr. Wu on the 
12th of August, 1900. 

The Government of the United States learns with satisfaction of the 
appointment of Earl Li Hung Chang as envo}^ plenipotentiary to con- 
duct negotiations with the powers, and will, on its part, enter upon 
such negotiations with a desire to continue the friendly relations so> 
long existing between the two countries. 

It is evident that there can be no general negotiation between China 
and the powers so long as the ministers of the powers and the persons 
under their protection remain in their present position of restraint 
and danger, and that the powers can not cease their efforts for the 
delivery of these representatives, to which they are constrained by 
the highest considerations of national honor, except under an arrange- 
ment adequate to accomplish a peaceable deliverance. 

We are ready to enter into an agreement between the powers and 
the Chinese Government for a cessation of hostile demonstrations on 
condition that a sufficient bod} T of the forces composing the relief 
expedition shall be permitted to enter Pekin unmolested and to escort 
the foreign ministers and residents back to Tientsin, this movement 
being provided for and secured by such arrangements and dispositions 
of troops as shall be considered satisfactory by the generals command- 
ing the forces composing the relief expedition. 

Department of State, 

Washington, August 12, 1900. 

Note. — The foregoing reply to the communication of Minister Wu was telegraphed 
in full on the evening of August 12 to the representatives of the United States accred- 
ited to the several Governments cooperating for the relief of the besieged legations 
in Pekin, with instructions to communicate It to the respective Governments. 



[Handed to Mr. Adee by Mr. Wu, August 20, 1900—10.15 a. m.] 

Cablegram dated August 19 from Viceroy Li Hung Chang, was trans 
mitted by the Chinese minister i 
Wu-on the night of the same day. 



mitted by the Chinese minister in London and received by Minister- 
he 



It was the declaration of all the ministers for foreign affairs of the 
great powers that the expedition of the allied troops was solely for 
the rescue of the ministers in Pekin. Now, the allied troops having 



16 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 

entered Pekin and found all the ministers safe, it seems proper that 
hostilities should at once cease and that negotiations should commence. 
I therefore request the United States Government to appoint an envoy 
with full powers or appoint the minister now in Pekin for the purpose, 
as he is necessarily acquainted with the affairs between Chinese and 
foreigners, and to inform me if the conference will take place in Pekin. 
After receipt of a definite reply, I will at once proceed to the north. 
Please request the Secretary of State to la} T the matter before His 
Excellency the President. I await reply. 



[Received at the Department of State, August 21,1900—3.17 p. m.] 

Cablegram from Viceroy Li Hung Chang, dated August 21, 1900, and 
received by Minister Wu on the same day. 

The boxer rebels in Pekin having been dispersed, there will be posi- 
tively no more fighting. Further military operations on the part of 
the powers are greatly to be deplored. Besides urging cessation of 
hostilities, please confer with Secretary of State upon subject of with- 
drawal of troops and appointment of plenipotentiary to negotiate 
settlement of all other questions so as to preserve amicable relations. 
I await early reply. 



[Sent to the Chinese minister, August 22, 1900 — 1.30 p. m.] 

Memorandum in response to the Chinese minister's communication of 
cablegrams from Viceroy Earl Li Hung Chang, dated August 19 and 
21, proposing the immediate cessation of hostilities and the appoint- 
ment of an envoy to conduct negotiations, received at the Department 
of State August 20 and 21, 1900. 

While the condition set forth in the memorandum delivered to the 
Chinese minister August 12 has not been fulfilled, and the powers have 
been compelled to rescue their ministers b}^ force of arms unaided by 
the Chinese Government, still this Government is ready to welcome 
any overtures for a truce, and invite the other powers to join, when 
security is established in the Chinese capital and the Chinese Govern- 
ment shows its ability and willingness to make on its part an effective 
suspension of hostilities there and elsewhere in China. When this is 
done — and we hope it will be done promptly — the United States will 
be prepared to appoint a representative to join with the representatives 
of the other similarly interested powers and of the authoritative and 
responsible Government of the Chinese Empire to attain the ends 
declared in our circular to the powers of July 3, 1900. 

Alvey A. Adee, 

Acting Secretary. 

Department of State, 

Washington, August 22, 1900. 



REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 17 

The Russian Charge d'affaires to the Acting Secretary of State. 

[Translation.] 

Cape May, August 4.-17, 1900. 

Mr. Acting Secretary: I have just received a communication 
from the Imperial Government informing me of the resolution of the 
admirals of the allied fleets interdicting the plenipotentiaiy of the 
Chinese Government, Li Hung Chang, from all communication with 
the Chinese authorities in the event of his arrival at Taku. 

This resolution being inexplicable, in view of the fact that all the 
powers have recognized the utility of admitting his (Li Hung Chang's) 
services in the eventual negotiations for peace, and especially because 
it would be impossible for him to fulfill his mission in the character of 
Chinese plenipotentiary if this were done, it would be desirable that 
the interested Governments should give orders to countermand the 
above-mentioned decision. 

Praying you, Mr. Acting Secretary, to be pleased to communicate to 
me the response of the Federal Government on this subject, I embrace 
this opportunity to renew to you the assurance of my most distin- 
guished consideration. 

G. DE WOLLANT. 



The Acting Secretary of State to the Russian Charge oV affaires. 

Department of State, 



Washington, August 23, 1900. 
Sir: 1 had the honor to receive in due course your note of the 
4th-l7th instant, acquainting me with a communication you had just 
received from the Imperial Government, informing you of u the 
resolution of the admirals of the allied fleets interdicting tlje pleni- 
potentiary of the Chinese Government, Li Hung Chang, from all com- 
munication with the Chinese authorities in the event of his arrival at 
Taku." You add that— 

This resolution being inexplicable, in view of the fact that all the powers have 
recognized the utility of admitting his (Li Hung-chang's) services in the eventual 
negotiations for peace, and especially because it would be impossible for him to fulfill 
his mission in the character of Chinese plenipotentiary if this were done, it would 
be desirable that the interested Governments should give orders to countermand the 
above-mentioned decision. 

No instructions in this regard having been sent to Admiral Reme}^, 
and no advices having been received from him on the subject, I caused 
inquiry to be made, and as the result thereof I now learn that no 
action has been taken in the conference of the admirals to interdict Li 
Hung-chang from communicating with the Chinese authorities from 
Taku. Such action was considered informally, but was not adopted. 
It was not favored by the American admiral. 

Be pleased to accept, Mr. Charge d' Affaires, the renewed assurance 
of my high consideration. 

Alvey A. Adee, 

Acting Secretary. 
S. Doc. 67 2 



18 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 

The Acting Secretary of State to the Russian Charge d'affaires. 

Department of State, 

Washington, August 25, 1900. 

Sir: Referring to your note of August 4 (17), and to my reply 
thereto of the 23d instant, concerning a reported resolution of the 
admirals of the allied fleets at Taku to interdict the Chinese plenipo- 
tentiary, Li Hung Chang, from communication with the Chinese 
authorities in the event of his arrival at Taku, I have now the honor 
to inform you that a supplementary report, under date of yesterday, 
has been cabled by the United States naval commander in those waters. 

Admiral Remey therein states that in a conference with the admirals 
held on that day (August 21) it was agreed that the Italian admiral 
should write to the dean of the foreign legations in Pekin " for instruc- 
tions in case Li Hung Chang should arrive at Taku," and it was also 
agreed that, pending a reply from Pekin, Li Hung Chang should not 
be allowed to communicate " with shore Chinese authorities." Admi- 
ral Remey has dissented from the latter proposition. He further 
reports that a misunderstanding has existed concerning the action 
taken at a prior conference. He learns that the conference considered 
that the prohibition to which your note of the 4th (17th) relates had 
been agreed upon at a previous meeting, but that was not the Ameri- 
can admiral's understanding. His objection, made at the time, was 
acknowledged and should have been noted with any mention of the 
proposition, but in the signed protocol of the meeting there was no 
formal note nor any allusion to the matter. At the meeting of August 
24 Admiral Remey states that he would inform his Government of the 
misunderstanding, and he expects that the fact of his disapproval will 
have been notified by the other commanders to their respective Gov- 
ernments. 

The views of the Government of the United States touching the 
action of the admirals at Taku have been communicated to the repre- 
sentatives of the United States in Berlin, Vienna, Paris, London, Rome, 
Tokyo," and St. Petersburgh for communication to the governments to 
which they are respectively accredited, so that the Russian Govern- 
ment is doubtless by this time advised of our attitude in the matter. 

I inclose for your fuller information a copy of the telegram in ques- 
tion, which was sent on the evening of August 24. 

The views of this Government have also been communicated to 
Admiral Remey. 

Be pleased to accept, sir, the renewed assurances of my highest 
consideration. 

Alvey A. Adee, 

Acting Secretary. 



Telegram sent to the representatives of the United States in Berlin, Vienna, Paris, London, 
Rome, Tokyo, and St. Petersburg. 

Department op State, 

Washington, August &£, 1900. 
The following note was received by us from the charge of the Russian Government 
at this capital, August 17: 

" I have just received a communication from the Imperial Government informing 
me of the resolution of the admirals of the allied fleets interdicting the plenipotentiary 



REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 19 * 

of the Chinese Government, Li Hung chang, from all communication with the 
Chinese authorities in the event of his arrival at Taku. 

"This resolution being inexplicable, in view of the fact that all the powers have 
recognized the utility of admitting his (Li Hung chang' s) services, in the eventual 
negotiations for peace, and especially because it would be impossible for him to fulfill 
his mission in the character of Chinese plenipotentiary if this were done, it would 
be desirable that the interested governments should give orders to countermand the 
above-mentioned decision. ' ' 

Inquiry of Admiral Remey, commanding our fleet at Taku, was first answered 
that no such resolution had been adopted. He now cables that the admirals have 
agreed to write the dean of the legations in Pekin for instructions in case Li Hung 
chang should arrive at Taku, and meantime not to allow him to communicate with 
Chinese shore authorities. Remey dissented from last proposition. 

We take the same view expressed in the Russian note. In interests of peace and 
effective presentation of just demands of all the powers against China, it seems impor- 
tant that the Chinese plenipotentiary should be able to communicate both with his 
own Government and its military commanders, whose action will be necessary to any 
suspension of hostilities as required in my telegram to you of 22d. Chinese minister 
here is without powers or advices. Li Hung chang is prima facie authorized by 
imperial decree to negotiate, and is the only representative of responsible authority 
in China so far as we are advised. We have instructed our representative in China in 
the spirit of the Russian note. 

Any misunderstanding or divergent action on this subject by representatives of the 
powers in China would be unfortunate, and we would be glad to learn from other 
powers if there are reasons not known to us which in their judgment should lead to 
a view different from that which we take. 

You will communicate this to the minister for foreign affairs, inviting early 
response. 

Adee, Acting. 



Telegraphic instruction sent to the representatives of the United States in 
Berlin, Vienna, Paris, London, Home, Tokyo, and St. Petersburgh. 

Department of> State, 

Washington, August 29, 1900. 

The Russian charge yesterda}^ afternoon made to me an oral state- 
ment respecting Russia's purposes in China, to the following effect: 

That as already repeatedly declared, Russia has no designs of terri- 
torial acquisition in China; that, equally with other powers now 
operating there, Russia has sought safety of legation at Pekin and to 
help the Chinese Government to repress the troubles; that, inciden- 
tally to necessary defensive measures on Russian border, Russia has 
occupied Muchwang for military purposes and, as soon as order is 
reestablished, will retire troops therefrom if action of other powers be 
no obstacle thereto; that the purpose for which the various govern- 
ments have cooperated for relief of legations in Pekin has been accom- 
plished; that, taking the position that, as the Chinese Government has 
left Pekin, there is no need for her representative to remain, Russia 
has directed Russian minister to retire with his official personnel from 
China; that the Russian troops will likewise be withdrawn; and that 
when the Government of China shall regain the reins of government 
and afford an authority with which the other powers can deal, and will 
express desire to enter in negotiations, the Russian Government will 
also name its representative. Holding these views and purposes, Rus- 
sia expresses hope that the United States will share the same opinion. 

To this declaration our reply has been made by the following memo- 
randum: 



20 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 

Memorandum in response to the Russian charge's oral communication made on August 28, 
1900, to the Acting Secretary of State touching the purposes of Russia in China. 

The Government of the United States receives with much satisfaction the reiterated 
statement that Russia has no designs of territorial acquisition in China, and that, 
equally with the other powers now operating in China, Russia has sought the safety 
of her legation in Pekin and to help the Chinese Government to repress the existing 
troubles. The same purposes have moved and will continue to control the Govern- 
ment of the United States, and the frank declarations of Russia in this regard are in 
accord with those made to the United States bj r the other powers. All the powers, 
therefore, having disclaimed any purpose to acquire any part of China, and now that 
adherence thereto has been renewed since relief has reached Pekin, it ought not to 
be difficult by concurrent action through negotiations to reach an amicable settle- 
ment with China by which the treaty rights of all the powers will be secured for the 
future, the open door assured, the interests and property of foreign citizens conserved, 
and full reparation made for wrongs and injuries suffered by them. 

So far as we are advised, the greater part of China is at peace and earnestly desires 
to protect the life and property of all foreigners, and in several of the provinces active 
and successful efforts to suppress the Boxers have been taken by the viceroys, to whom 
we have extended encouragement through our consuls and naval officers. This pres- 
ent good relation should be promoted for the peace of China. 

While we agree that the immediate object for which the military forces of the 
powers have been cooperating, viz, the relief of the ministers at Pekin, has been 
accomplished, there still remain the other purposes which all the powers have in 
common, which are referred to in the communication of the Russian charge, and 
which were specifically enumerated in our note to the powers of July 3. 

These are: To afford all possible protection everywhere in China to foreign life 
and property; to guard and protect all legitimate foreign interests; to aid in prevent- 
ing the spread of the disorders to other provinces of the Empire and a recurrence of 
such disorders; and to seek a solution which may bring about permanent safety and 
peace to China, preserve Chinese territorial and administrative entity, protect all 
rights guaranteed by treaty and international law to friendly powers, and safeguard 
for the world the principle' of equal and impartial trade with all parts of the Chinese 
Empire. 

In our opinion these purposes could best be attained by the joint occupation of 
Pekin under a definite understanding between the powers until the Chinese Govern- 
ment shall have been reestablished and shall be in a position to enter into new treaties 
with adequate provisions for reparation and guaranties of future protection. With 
the establishment and recognition of such authority, the United States would wish 
to withdraw its military forces from Pekin and remit to the processes of peaceful 
negotiation our just demands. 

We consider, however, that a continued occupation of Pekin would be ineffective 
to produce the desired result unless all the powers unite therein with entire harmony 
of purpose. Any power which determines to withdraw its troops from Pekin will 
necessarily proceed thereafter to protect its interests in China by its own method, and 
we think that this would make a general withdrawal expedient. As to the time and 
manner of withdrawal, we think that, in view of the imperfect knowledge of the mil- 
itary situation resulting from the interruptions of telegraphic communication, the 
several military commanders at Pekin should be instructed to confer and agree 
together upon the withdrawal as a concerted movement, as they agreed upon the 
advance. 

The result of these considerations is that, unless there is such a general expression 
by the powers in favor of continued occupation as to modify the views expressed by 
the Government of Russia and lead to a general agreement for continued occupation, 
we shall give instructions to the commander of the American forces in China to 
withdraw our troops from Pekin after due conference with the other commanders as 
to the time and manner of withdrawal. 

The Government of the United States is much gratified by the assurance given by 
Russia that the occupation of Niuchwang is for military purposes incidental to the 
military steps for the security of the Russian border provinces menaced by the 
Chinese, and that as soon as order shall be reestablished Russia will retire her troops 
from those places, if the action of the other powers be not an obstacle thereto. No 
obstacle in this regard can arise through any action of the United States, whose policy 
is fixed and has been repeatedly proclaimed. Alvey a Adee> Acting Secretary , 

Department or State, 

Washington, August 29, 1900. 

You will communicate the foregoing to the minister for foreign 
affairs and invite early consideration and response. 



KEPOET OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 21 

[Handed to Acting Secretary Hill on September 10 by the Chinese minister, Mr. Wu Ting-fang] . 

Cablegram from Earl Li Hung Chang, dated the 7th September, 1900, 
transmitted by the Chinese minister at St. Petersburg tonder date of 
the 9th September and received by Minister Wu on the last-named date. 

I am in receipt of an imperial edict of the thirtieth day of the seventh 
month (August 24, 1900) transmitted by way of Paoting Fu. It is as 
follows: 

Li Hung Chang, envoy plenipotentiary, is hereby vested with full discretionary 
powers, and he shall promptly deal with whatever questions may require attention. 
From this distance we will not control his actions. Let this edict be forwarded with 
extra expedition at the rate of 600 li per day (to Earl Li) for his information and 
guidance. Respect this. 



[Handed to the Chinese minister, Mr. Wu, by Acting Secretary Hill, September 11, 1900.] 

Memorandum. 

The United States does not feel called upon to express any opinion 
at. this time as to the sufficiency of Li Hung Chang's authority, but 
hopes it will transpire that his credentials are full and authoritative, not 
only for negotiation, but to enable him without further delay to give 
assurance that the life and property of Americans will henceforth be 
respected throughout the Chinese Empire. 

Department of State, 

Washington, September 11, 1900. 



[Handed to Acting Secretary Hill on September 11 by the Chinese minister, Mr. Wu.] 

Cablegram from Earl Li Hung Chang, dated Sej)tember 9, 1900, trans- 
mitted by the Chinese minister at London under date of September 
10, and received by Minister Wu on the night of the last-named date. 

I have just received a telegram, dated September 3, from governor 
of Shantung transmitting a dispatch addressed to me by the privy 
council from Ta-tung Fu (Shansi) on August 30. - 

The privy council to Li Hung Chang, envoy plenipotentiary, grand secretary of state and 

viceroy of Chihli. 

On the third day of the eighth moon of Kwang-hsu, twenty-sixth year (August 
27) , the following imperia] edict was issued: 

' ' We hereby command Li Hung Chang, envoy plenipotentiary with full discre- 
tionary powers and grand secretary of state, to proceed at once by steam vessel to 
Pekin and there to associate himself with Prince Ching in discussing and dealing with 
all pending questions. Let there be no delay. Respect this." 

The above has been communicated to me in obedience to the impe- 
rial will. 

Another communication from the privy council states an edict has 
already been issued commanding Sir Robert Hart to confer with (the 
representatives of) the foreign nations for the loan of a steam vessel 
to convey Li Hung Chang without delay to Pekin, where he is to asso- 
ciate himself with Prince Ching in dealing with all pending questions. 



22 KEPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 

There was also a copy of an edict for Li Hung Chang, which the 
inspector-general of customs (Sir Robert Hart) was directed to depute 
an official to deliver in person (to Earl Li). The documents referred 
to have been despatched by post, but on account of the roundabout 
method employed and fearing a mistake or failure might arise, the 
edicts are respectfully transcribed (as above). On receipt of the same, 
the Shantung government is requested to transmit them by telegraph 
to Envoy Li. 

Having received imperial orders urging my speedy departure for 
the North, it behooves me to make arrangements to start on my jour- 
ney soon. Please inform Secretary of State and request instructions 
be telegraphed to the United States commanders at Tientsin and Pekin 
to cooperate in affording me protection if required. 



[Handed to the Chinese Minister, Mr. Wu, by Acting Secretary Hill, September 12, 1900.] 

Memorandum. 

In reply to the request of Earl Li that instructions be telegraphed 
to the United States commanders at Tientsin and Pekin to cooperate 
in affording him protection, if required, on his journey to Pekin, the 
Government of the United States, so far as its own forces are con- 
cerned, will be happ}^ to facilitate in every proper way the journey of 
Earl Li to Pekin, and will so instruct its commanders. 

Department of State, 

Washington, September 1%, 1900. 



[Handed to Mr. Adee by the Chinese Minister, Mr. Wu, September 17, 1900, 10.15 a. m.] 

Cablegram from Prince Ching, dated {at Pekin) SeptemJjer 8, 1900, 
transmitted by the Chinese minister at St. Petersbxirg on the 16th 
instant to Minister Wu, who received it on the night of the same day. 

Foreign troops having entered Pekin, and Their Majesties the Empress 
Dowager and the Emperor having gone westward on a tour, I have 
received an imperial edict appointing me envoy plenipotentiary with 
full discretionary powers, in conjunction with Grand Secretaiy Li 
Hung Chang, to negotiate peace. Please inform Secretaiy of State and 
request that, in view of the long friendly relations (existing between 
the two countries), instructions be telegraphed to the (United States) 
minister at Pekin to open negotiations in a harmonious way at an early 
date to the interest and gratification of all concerned. 



[Handed to the Chinese Minister by the Acting Secretary of State, September 21, 1900, 3.45 p. m.] 

Memorandum in response to Mr. Wu?s communication, September 17, 
1900, of a cablegram from Prince Ching, dated Pekin, September 
8, 1900. 

The Government of the United States accepts the plenipotentiary 
authority of Earl Li Hung Chang and Prince Ching as prima facie suf- 
ficient for the preliminaiy negotiations looking toward the return of the 



REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 23 

Imperial Chinese Government and to the resumption of its authority 
at Pekin, and toward the negotiation of a complete settlement by the 
duly appointed plenipotentiaries of the powers and of China. 

To these ends, the United States minister in Pekin will be authorized 
to enter into relations with Earl Li and Prince Ching as the immediate 
representatives of the Chinese Emperor. 

David J. Hill, 
Acting Secretary. 
Department of State, 

Washington, September 21, 1900. 



Memorandum handed to Mr. Adee by the Russian Charge d'affaires, 
Mr. de Wollant, September 17, 1900, 10.43 a. hi. 

[Translation.] 

(1) Has the Federal Government the intention to transfer the resi- 
dence of the legation from Pekin to Tientsin ? This step has been recog- 
nized as practical and appropriate to the end, even by the powers which 
find it necessary to leave troops at Pekin. 

(2) Are the full powers of Prince Ching and Li Hung Chang recog- 
nized as sufficient by the Federal Government ? 

(3) Is the Federal Government prepared to charge its representatives 
to enter without delay upon the preliminary negotiations with the pleni- 
potentiaries of the Emperor of China? 



Memorandum in reply to the Russian Charge's memorandum dated 

September 17, 1900. 

(1) The Government of the United States has not any present inten- 
tion to withdraw its legation from Pekin. 

(2) The Government of the United States accepts the plenipotentiary 
authority of Earl Li Hung Chang and Prince Ching as prima facie suffi- 
cient for the preliminary negotiations looking toward the return of the 
Imperial Chinese Government and to the resumption of its authority 
at Pekin, and toward the negotiation of a complete settlement \>x the 
duly appointed plenipotentiaries of the powers and of China. 

(3) To these ends the United States minister in Pekin will be author- 
ized to enter into relations with Earl Li and Prince Ching as the imme- 
diate representatives of the Chinese Emperor. 

Department of State, 

Washington, September 21, 1900. 



The Imperial German Charge d Affaires to the Secretary of State. 

[Translation.] 

Imperial German Embassy, 

Washington, September 18, 1900. 
Mr. Secretary: By direction of the Imperial Chancellor I have the 
honor to respectfully communicate to your excellency the following: 
The Government of His Majest}^ the Emperor considers as a pre- 



24 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 

liminary condition for entering' into diplomatic negotiations with the 
Chinese Government a surrender of such persons as are determined 
upon as being the first and real perpetrators of the crimes committed 
in Pekin against international law. The number of perpetrators who 
served as tools is too great; a wholesale execution would be averse to 
the civilized conscience. Furthermore, circumstances would not allow 
that even the group of leaders could be completely ascertained; but 
the few among them whose guilt is notorious should be surrendered, 
and punished. The representatives of the powers in Pekin will be in a 
position to make or adduce in this investigation fully valid testimony. 
The number of those punished is of less importance than their char- 
acter as principal instigators and leaders. The Government of His 
Majesty the Emperor believes that it can depend in this matter upon 
the concurrence of all the cabinets; for, indifference toward the idea of 
a just expiation would be equivalent to indifference toward a repeti- 
tion of the crime. 

The Government of His Majesty the Emperor therefore proposes to 
the interested cabinets that they request their representatives in Pekin 
to designate the principal Chinese personages whose guilt in the insti- 
gation or execution of the crimes is beyond a doubt. 

A similar communication is forwarded to the other interested 
cabinets. 

Requesting of your excellency a reply as soon as is practicable, I 
embrace this occasion to tender the assurance of my most distinguished 
consideration. 

Sternburg. 



Acting Secretary Hill to the Imperial German Charge oV Affaires. 

Department of State, 
Washington, September 21, 1900. 

Sir: In response to your inquiry of the 18th instant as to the atti- 
tude of the Government of the United States in regard to the exem- 
plary punishment of the notable leaders in the crimes committed in 
Pekin against international law, I have the honor to make the follow- 
ing statement: 

The Government of the United States has from the outset proclaimed 
its purpose to hold to the uttermost accountability the responsible 
authors of any wrongs done in China to citizens of the United States 
and their interests, as was stated in the Government's circular communi- 
cation to the powers of July 3 last. These wrongs have been committed 
not alone in Pekin, but in many parts of the Empire, and their punish- 
ment is believed to be an essential element of any effective settlement 
which shall prevent a recurrence of such outrages and bring about 
permanent safety and peace in China. It is thought, however, that no 
punitive measures can be so effective by way of reparation for wrongs 
suffered and as deterrent examples for the future as the degradation 
and punishment of the responsible authors by the supreme Imperial 
authority itself; and it seems only just to China that she should be 
afforded in the first instance an opportunity to do this and thus reha- 
bilitate herself before the world. Believing thus, and without abat- 
ing in any wise its deliberate purpose to exact the fullest accountability 



REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 25 

from the responsible authors of the wrongs we have suffered in China, 
the Government of the United States is not disposed, as a preliminary 
condition to entering into diplomatic negotiations with the Chinese 
Government, to join in demand that said Government surrender to the 
powers such persons as, according to the determination of the powers 
themselves, may be held to be the first and real perpetrators of those 
wrongs. On the other hand, this Government is disposed to hold that 
the punishment of the high responsible authors of these wrongs, not 
only in Pekin but throughout China, is essentially a condition to be 
embraced and provided for in the negotiations for a final settlement. 
It is the purpose of this Government, at the earliest practicable mo- 
ment, to name its plenipotentiaries for negotiating a settlement with 
China, and in the meantime to authorize its minister in Pekin to enter 
forthwith into conference with the duly authorized representatives of 
the Chinese Government with a view to bringing about a preliminary 
agreement whereby the full exercise of the imperial power for the 
preservation of order and the protection of foreign life and property 
throughout China, pending final negotiations with the powers, shall 
be assured. 

Accept, sir, the renewed assurances of my highest consideration. 

David J. Hill, 
Acting Secretary.. 

Freiherr Speck von Sternburg, 

Washington. 



Imperial edict of September 25, 1900. 

The Secretary of State received on October 2, 1900, from the Chinese 
minister a memorandum informing him that a cablegram had been 
received from Director-General Sheng, at Shanghai, stating that by an 
Imperial edict issued on the 25th of September, Prince Chwang, Prince 
Yih, and Secondary Princes Tsai Lien and Tsai Ying are deprived of 
all their respective ranks and offices; that Prince Tuan is deprived of 
office and is handed over to the Imperial clan court, which shall con- 
sult and decide upon a severe penalty, and his salary is to be stopped; 
that Duke Tsai Lan and the President of the Censorate Ying Nien are 
handed over to the said board, who shall consult and decide upon a 
severe penalty; and that Kang Yi, assistant grand secretary and presi- 
dent of the civil board, and Chao Shu-Chiao, president of the board of 
punishments, are handed over to the board of censors, who shall consult 
and decide upon a penalty. 



The ImjJerial German Charge to the Secretary of State. 

[Handed to the Secretary by the German charge d'affaires, Baron von Sternburg, October 2, 1900.] 

Sheng reports an Imperial edict mentioning that the punishment of 
various leaders has been ordered. The German Government considers 
this as the first step in the direction of peace and order in China, and 
begs to propose that the powers may instruct their diplomatic repre- 
sentatives to examine the following points and to express their opinions 
on them. 



26 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 

1. Is the list contained in tbe edict in regard to the persons to be 
punished satisfactory and correct? 

2. Are the proposed punishments in accordance with the gravity of 
the crimes committed? 

3. In what manner is the carrying out of these punishments to be 
controlled b} T the powers ? 



The 



Secretary of State to the Imperial German Charge. 



^Memorandum in response to the inquiries made of the Secretary of State, October 2, 1900, by the 
Imperial German charge d'affaires, touching the Chinese Imperial edict in regard to the punishment 
of Prince Tuan and other high Chinese officials.] 

The Chinese minister communicated to the Secretary of State, on the 
2d instant, a telegram received by him from Director-General Sheng, 
conveying the purport of an Imperial edict, dated September 25, 1900, 
by which the degradation and punishment of Prince Tuan and other 
high Chinese officials is decreed. 

The Government of the United States is disposed to regard this 
measure as a proof of the desire of the Imperial Chinese Government 
to satisfy the reasonable demands of the foreign powers for the injury 
and outrage which their legations and their nationals have suffered at 
the hands of evil-disposed persons in China; although it has been 
thought well, in view of the vagueness of the edict in regard to the 
punishment which some of the inculpated persons are to receive, to 
signify to the Chinese minister the President's view that it would be 
most regrettable if Prince Tuan, who appears from the concurring 
testimony of the legations in Pekin to have been one of the foremost 
in the proceedings complained of, should escape such full measure of 
exemplary punishment as the facts warrant, or if Kang Yi and Chao 
Shu-Chiao should receive other than their just deserts. 

With a view to forming a judgment on these points, the United 
States minister in Pekin has been instructed to report whether the 
edict completely names the persons deserving chastisement; whether 
the punishments proposed accord with the gravity of the crimes com- 
mitted; and in what manner the United States and the other powers 
are to be assured that satisfactory punishment is inflicted. 

It is hoped that Mr. Conger's replies to these interrogatories will 
confirm the Government of the United States in the opinion which it 
now shares with the Imperial German Government that the edict in 
question is an important initial step in the direction of peace and 
order in China. 

Department of State, 

Washington, October 3, 1900. 



The French Charge d'affaires to the Secretary of State. 

[Handed to the Secretary of State by the French charge d'affaires, Mr. Thiebaut, October 4, 1900.— 

Translation.] 

Embassy of the French Republic, 

Washington, October ^, 1900. 
Mk. Secretary of State: By order of my Government, I have 
the honor to bring to } T our excellency's knowledge the following 
communication : 

In sending their forces to China, the powers had as their first object 



EEPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 27 

the rescue of their legations. Thanks to the united action and the 
valor of their troops, this end has been attained. The thing now to 
be done is to obtain from the Chinese Government, which has given 
to Prince Ching and Li Hung Chang full powers to negotiate and treat 
in its name, appropriate reparation for the past and substantial guaran- 
ties for the future. 

Animated by the spirit which has inspired the declarations hereto- 
fore made by the several Governments, the Government of the Repub- 
lic believes that it sums up their own sentiments in the following 
points, which it submits as bases of the negotiations to be entered 
upon immediatelj 7 after the usual verification of the full powers: 

First. The punishment of the principal guilty parties who may be 
designated by the representatives of the powers at Pekin; 

Second. The continuance of the interdiction against the importation 
of arms; 

Third. Equitable indemnities for the governments, corporations, 
and private individuals; 

Fourth. The organization in Pekin of a permanent guard for the 
legations; 

Fifth. The dismantling of the forts at Taku; 

Sixth. The military occupation of two or three points on the road 
from Tientsin to Pekin, which road will thus always be open to the 
legations to pass to the sea or to the forces which may go from the 
sea to the capital. 

If presented collectively by the representatives of the powers and 
backed up by the presence of the international troops, it seems to the 
Government of the Republic impossible that these conditions, so legiti- 
mate in themselves, should not speedily be accepted hy the Chinese 
Government. 

Be pleased to accept, Mr. Secretary of State, the renewed assurances 
of my highest consideration. 

Thiebaut. 



The Secretary of State to the French Charge oV affaires. 

[Sent to Mr. Thiebaut. October 10. 1900.] 
MEMORANDUM. 

The Government of the United States agrees with that of France in 
recognizing as the object to be obtained from the Government of China 
appropriate reparation for the past and substantial guaranties for the 
future. 

The President is glad to perceive in the basis of negotiation put for- 
ward in the memorandum of October -± the spirit that has animated the 
declarations heretofore made by all the powers interested, and would 
be pleased to see the negotiations begun immediately upon the usual 
verification of credentials. 

It may be convenient to enumerate the clauses of the memorandum 
and to add some observations dictated by the attitude of the United 
States in the present circumstances. 

1. The punishment of the guilty parties who may be designated by 
the representatives of the powers at Pekin. 

The Chinese Government has already indicated its intention to pun- 



28 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 

ish a number of those responsible for the recent disorders. The rep- 
resentatives of the powers at Pekin may suggest additions to that list 
when negotiations are entered upon. 

2. The continuance of the interdiction against the importation of 
arms. 

It is not understood that this interdiction is to be permanent, and 
the duration of it and the details of its regulation seem a proper subject 
of discussion b}^ the negotiators. 

3. Equitable indemnities for the governments, corporations, and 
private individuals. 

This is an object desired by all the powers. The Russian Govern- 
ment has suggested that in case of protracted divergence of views, this 
matter might be commended to the consideration of the International 
Court of Arbitration of The Hague. The President thinks this 
suggestion worthy the attention of the powers. 

4. The organization in Pekin of a permanent guard for the legations. 

The Government of the United States is unable to make any perma- 
nent engagement of this nature without the authorization of the legis- 
lative branch, but in the present emergency we have stationed in Pekin 
an adequate legation guard. 

5. The dismantling of the forts at Taku. 

The President reserves the expression of his opinion as to this meas- 
ure pending the receipt of further information in regard to the situa- 
tion in China. 

6. The military occupation of two or three points on the road from 
Tientsin to Pekin. 

The same observation which has been made in reference to No. 4 
applies also to this proposition. The President is unable to commit 
the United States to a permanent participation in such occupation, but 
he thinks it desirable that the powers shall obtain from the Chinese 
Government the assurance of their right to guard their legations in 
Pekin and to have the means of unrestricted access to them whenever 
required. 

The President believes that the Governments of France and the other 
powers will see in the reserves we have here made no obstacle to the 
initiation of negotiations on the lines suggested, and he hopes it will be 
found practicable to begin such negotiations at an early day. 

Department of State, 

Washington, October 10, 1900. 



[Handed to the President by Minister Wu, October 17, 1900.] 

The following telegraphic Imperial letter, dated October 14, 1900, 
forwarded by the privy council from Tung-Kuan (in Shensi) and 
retransmitted from Shanghai by Director-General Sheng under date 
of October 16, has been received by Minister Wu: 

The Emperor of the Ta Tsing Empire to His Excellency the President of the United States, 

greeting: 

We are extremely grateful to Your Excellency for taking the initiative in the with- 
drawal of troops (from Pekin) and for consenting, in the interest of friendly rela- 
tions, to use your kindly offices between China and the friendly powers who have 
been offended on account of the recent unexpected uprising in China. 

We therefore especially delegate our envoy extraordinary and minister plenipo- 



REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 29 

tentiary, Wu Ting-fang, to personally deliver this telegraphic letter to Your Excellency 
conveying our sincere expression of thanks. 

We beg that Your Excellency, in the interest of peace and international good rela- 
tions, will exert your friendly influence with other powers toward the complete 
effacement of all ill feeling and the speedy determination on their part to negotiate 
for a peaceful settlement. For this we shall feel unbounded gratitude toward Your 
Excellency, whose good offices we are now earnestly beseeching. 



[Communicated to Minister Wu for transmission, October 18, 1900.] 

Washington, October 18, 1900. 
His Majesty Kwang Hsu, Emperor of China, greeting: 

It has afforded me much pleasure to receive Your Imperial Majesty's 
telegraphic letter of October 14, which has been delivered by Your 
Majesty's minister in Washington. 

I cordially share Your Majesty's wish that there may be a peaceful 
settlement of all questions between China and the powers whose inter- 
ests and nationals have so grievously suffered wrong in Your Majesty's 
dominions, and that the outcome may be the complete effacement of 
ill feeling between them. The desire of this Government that such a 
settlement may be brought about speedily has been made known to all 
the powers, and I trust that negotiations may begin so soon as we and 
the other offended governments shall be effectively satisfied of Your 
Majesty's ability and power to treat with just sternness the principal 
offenders, who are doubly culpable, not alone toward the foreigners, 
but toward Your Majesty, under whose rule the purpose of China to 
dwell in concord with the world has hitherto found expression in the 
welcome and protection assured to strangers. 

William McKinley. 



The French Charge d'affaires to the Secretary of State. 

{Handed to the Secretary of State by the French charge" d'affaires, Mr. Thiebaut, October 17, 1900.— 

Translation.] 

Embassy of the Fkench Republic, 

Washington, October 17, 1900. 

The Government of the Republic has highly appreciated the response 
which the Government of the United States has made to its note of the 
4th of October; it has been especially gratifying to it to observe the 
sentiments of sympathy for France which have evidently inspired that 
reply. 

All the interested powers have adhered to the essential principle of 
the French note. In so far as concerns the points which have called 
forth comments on the part of certain cabinets, they could, it would 
seem, be discussed among the powers or between their diplomatic rep- 
resentatives at Pekin in the course of the negotiations and receive such 
modifications as might be judged necessaiy in order to more surely 
and speedily attain the common end. 

The essential thing now is to show the Chinese Government, which 
has declared itself ready to negotiate, that the powers are animated by 
the same spirit; that they are decided to respect the integrity of China 



30 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 

and the independence of its Government, but that they are none the 
less resolved to obtain the satisfaction to which they have a right. 

In this regard it would seem that if the proposition which has been 
accepted as the basis of negotiations were communicated to the Chinese 
plenipotentiaries by the ministers of the powers at Pekin, or in their 
name by their dean, this step would be of a nature to have a happy 
influence upon the determinations of the Emperor of China and of his 
Government. 

It goes without saying that this collective step would in no wise 
interfere with the examination of the points in the French proposition 
to which the reservations made by certain governments relate. 

The minister for foreign affairs would be particularly happy to learn 
that this is also the opinion of the President of the United States and 
of the honorable Secretary of State, and that they have thought it 
opportune to send to the minister of the United States in Pekin 
instructions in this sense. 



The Secretary of State to the French Charge d'affaires. 

[Memorandum in response to the memorandum in regard to the bases and conduct of negotiations 
for a settlement of pending questions between the powers and China, delivered to the Secretary of 
State by the French charge d'affaires October 17, 1900.] 

The Government of the United States is gratified to learn that all 
the interested powers have adhered to the essential principle of the 
French note of October 4, and trusts that such reservations as they 
have suggested will, like those mentioned in the reply of the United 
States, prove no embarrassment to the progress of the negotiation, in 
the course of which they can be frankly discussed with a view to a 
common agreement. 

Holding, as it does in accord with the French Government, that the 
essential thing now is to prove to the Chinese Government that the 
powers are ready to meet it in the path of peaceful negotiation, and 
that they are united in their repeatedly declared decision to respect 
the integrity of China and the independence of its Government, while 
equally united in the resolve to obtain rightful satisfaction for the great 
wrongs they and their nationals have suffered, this Government has 
instructed its minister in Pekin to concur in presenting -to the Chinese 
plenipotentiaries the points upon which we are agreed as the initial 
step toward negotiations and toward the reestablishment of the effective 
power and authority of the Imperial Government. 

The Government of the United States believes that the happy influ- 
ence upon the determinations of the Chinese Emperor and of his Gov- 
ernment which the Government of the French Republic anticipates as 
the result of the step would be still further induced if the powers 
were to include as part of their initial declaration a collective mani- 
festation of their determination to preserve the territorial integrity 
and the administrative entirety of China, and to secure for the Chinese 
nation and for themselves the benefits of open and equal commercial 
intercourse between the Chinese Empire and the world at large. 

Department of State, 

Washington, October 19, 1900. 



REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 31 



AGREEMENT BETWEEN GERMANY AND GREAT BRITAIN IN 
REGARD TO THEIR MUTUAL POLICY IN CHINA, OCTOBER 16* 
1900. 

Lord Pauncefote to Mr. Hay. 

No. 315.] British Embassy, 

Newport, E. I., October %3, 1900. 
Sir: In pursuance of instructions which I have received from Her 
Majesty's principal secretary of state for foreign affairs, I have the 
honor to communicate to you the text of an agreement between Great 
Britain and Germany relating to the piesent trouble in China, which 
was signed in London on the 16th instant by the Marquis of Salisbury 
and the German ambassador on behalf of their respective Govern- 
ments, and to invite the acceptance by the United States of the 
principles recorded in that agreement. 

I have, etc., Pauncefote. 



TEXT OF AGREEMENT. 



Her Britannic Majesty's Government and the Imperial German Government 
being desirous to maintain their interests in China and their rights under existing 
treaties, have agreed to observe the following principles in regard to their mutual 
policy in China : 

I. It is a matter of joint and permanent international interest that the ports on the 
rivers and littoral of China should remain free and open to trade and to every other 
legitimate form of economic activity for the nationals of all countries, without dis- 
tinction, and the two Governments agree on their part to uphold the same for all 
Chinese territory so far as they can exercise influence. 

II. Her Britannic Majesty's Government and the Imperial German Government 
will not on their part make use of the present complication to obtain for themselves 
any territorial advantages in Chinese dominions and will direct their policy toward 
maintaining undiminished the territorial conditions of the Chinese Empire. 

III. In case of another power making use of the complications in China in order 
to obtain under any form whatever such territorial advantages, the two contracting 
parties reserve to themselves to come to a preliminary understanding as to the 
eventual steps to be taken for the protection of their own interests in China. 

IV. The two Governments will communicate this agreement to the other powers 
interested, and especially to Austro-Hungary, France, Italy, Japan, Russia, and the 
United States of America, and will invite them to accept the principles recorded in 
the agreement. 

[A similar communication, mutatis mutandis, was made October 20, 
1900, to the Secretary of State by the Imperial German charge 
d'affaires.] 



Mr. Hay to Lord Pauncefote. 

No. 1967.] Department of State, 

Washington, October <29, 1900. 
Excellency: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your 
note of the 23d of October, inclosing the text of an agreement between 
Great Britain and Germany relating to affairs in China which was 
signed in London on the 16th instant by the Marquis of Salisbury and 
the German ambassador on behalf of their respective Governments 
and inviting the acceptance by the United States of the principles 
recorded in that agreement. 



32 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 

These principles are — 

I. It is a matter of joint and permanent international interest that the ports on the 
rivers and littoral of China should remain free and open to trade and to every other 
legitimate form of economic activity for the nationals of all countries without dis- 
tinction, and the two Governments agree on their part to uphold the same for all 
Chinese territory so far as they can exercise influence. 

II. Her Britannic Majesty's Government and the Imperial German Government 
will not on their part make use of the present complication to obtain for themselves 
any territorial advantages in Chinese dominions and will direct their policy toward 
maintaining undiminished the territorial condition of the Chinese Empire. 

The United States have heretofore made known their adoption of 
T)oth these principles. During the last year this Government invited 
the powers interested in China to join in an expression of views and 
purposes in the direction of impartial trade with that country and 
received satisfactory assurances to that effect from all of them. When 
the recent troubles were' at their height, this Government, on the 3d 
of Jury, once more made an announcement of its policy regarding 
impartial trade and the integrity of the Chinese Empire, and had the 
gratification of learning that all the powers held similar views. And 
since that time the most gratifying harmony has existed among all the 
nations concerned as to the ends to be pursued, and there has been lit- 
tle divergence of opinion as to the details of the course to be followed. 

It is therefore with much satisfaction that the President directs me 
to inform you of the full sympathy of this Government with those of 
Her Britannic Majesty and the German Emperor in the principles set 
iorth in the clauses of the agreement above cited. 

The third clause of the agreement provides — 

1 1 III. In case of another power making use of the complications in China in order 
to obtain under any form whatever such territorial advantages, the two contracting 
parties reserve to themselves to come to a preliminary understanding as to the event- 
ual steps to be taken for the protection of their own interests in China. 

As this clause refers to a reciprocal arrangement between the two 
Irigh contracting powers, the Government of the United States does 
riot regard itself as called upon to express an opinion in respect to it. 
I have, etc. , 

John Hay. 

[A similar note, mutatis mutandis, was addressed on the same day 
by the Secretary of State to the Imperial German charge d'affaires.] 



Mr. Conger to Mr. Hay. 

No. 408.] Legation of the United States, 

Pehin, China, September 10, 1900. 

Sir: I have the honor to confirm, on the overleaf, my telegrams of 
the 4th and 6th instants, 1 and to say that Prince Ching called on me on 
the 6th and 1 returned his call to-day. 

He looks badly and appears greatly worried. Says he is ashamed of his 
Government, but was himself powerless to prevent what has happened. 
It was understood that the visits were only friendly visits, and so no 
discussion of business was had. He said he was awaiting the arrival 

1 Where telegrams are referred to they will be found under the proper date in the 
telegraphic correspondence, pp. . 



REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 33 

of Li Hung-chang, who with him had been appointed plenipotentaries 
together to settle affairs. 

I inclose copy of communication from him, and reply by the dean 
of the diplomatic corps concerning their appointment. 

As suggested in my telegram, it seems to me that, leaving Peking 
under military occupation, negotiations could be more speedily and 
satisfactorily conducted at Shanghai, or, better still, at Washington. 
The question is so large and so man} T of the great powers vitally inter- 
ested therein that constant and quick communication between all is 
necessary. This can not be accomplished from here. The telegraph 
line is at present totally inadequate and is not likely to be sufficiently 
improved in the near future. 

I have, etc., E. H. Conger. 



[Inclosure 1.— Translation.] 
President of the Tsungli Yamen to Mr. de Cologan: 

The grand council has communicated to me the imperial decree of the 3d of the 
8th moon of Kuang Hsu: (August 27, 1900) . 

"We order Prince Ching to return immediately to the capital to treat of affairs 
with full powers. It is unnecessary for him to come to rejoin the court. As for the 
plenipotentiary, Li Hung-chang, he has now likewise received the order by decree 
to come promptly to Peking and discuss and treat regarding affairs in concert with 
Prince Ching." Respectfully received. 

It is necessary that I address your excellency by this dispatch a respectful copy of 
this imperial order, and I pray you to transmit in turn the communication to the 
representatives of the powers. 

I profit by the occasion to inform you that the seal with which I have sealed this 
dispatch is the seal of the Yellow Bordered Manchu Banner, of which I am com- 
mander in chief. 



[Subinclosure.] 
Reply to Prince Ching. 

Peking, September 9, 1900. 
I have the honor to receive the note which your highness addressed to me on the 
6th of this month, communicating to me that your highness had been named by 
imperial decree with full powers to treat of affairs, and that orders had been given 
to the plenipotentiary, Li Hung-chang, to come promptly to the capital to treat of 
affairs in concert with your highness. I have transmitted to my honorable col- 
leagues the information contained in the note, of which I have the honor to acknowl- 
edge the receipt. 

I beg you to accept, etc., M. de Cologan. 



Mr. Conger to Mr. Hay. 

No. 411.] Legation of the United States, 

Peking, China, September 13, 1900. 

Sir: 1 have the honor to append hereto translations of your telegram 
of the 30th ultimo sent through the United States minister at Tokyo 
and my telegram of the 12th instant. 

Some of the Russian troops have already been withdrawn. The 
minister told me yesterday that he should leave to-day, and that most 
of their forces were going at once, but he has not gone and troops 
that were ordered to move this morning are still held here. * * * 

S. Doc. 67 3 



34 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 

The weakness of the Imperial Government becomes daily more 
apparent, and the possibility of restoration of peace and order in this 
province under Chinese authority- still more remote. We have now 
had possession of Peking for four weeks, and the only move made by 
the Chinese Government toward a settlement is to send Prince Ching 
here with reputed full powers, but which have not been shown, and 
the statement that he is waiting for Li Hung-chang, who is to act with 
him. But a telegram received from Consul-General Goodnow of the 
7th instant says, "Li Hung-chang will leave for the north in a week 
or so." There is not, therefore, much prospect of any early proposi- 
tions from them. I repeat that I am sure they will be unable to offer 
any feasible plan, and that the foreign powers will be compelled to 
devise the plan and China will be compelled to accept it. 

The negotiations necessary, therefore, are those between the powers, 
and these can be conducted almost anywhere better than here. 

No visible effort has been made by the Chinese Government for a 
suspension of hostilities. "Boxers" and Chinese soldiers are still in 
possession of most of the cities and villages of this province, and per- 
secutions of Christians continue. 

It does not seem to me advisable for the general conference of the 
powers to await the restoration of Chinese authority in and about this 
capital. But in my judgment the withdrawal of all troops from Peking 
would be a great mistake. The Chinese people would doubt our 
strength, we would lose one of the most potent levers with which to 
move the Chinese Government to an acceptance of our terms, and the 
thousands of Chinese Christians in this vicinity would be immediately 
massacred. 

I have, etc., E. H. Conger. 

Mr. Conger to Mr. Hay. 

No. 413.] Legation of the United States, 

Peking, China, September 16, 1900, 

Sir: A whole month has elapsed since the arrival of the " relief 
expedition " and the flight of the imperial court, and apparently no 
progress has been made toward reestablishment of Chinese author- 
ity here or negotiations for a settlement. 

Prince Ching is still waiting the arrival of Li Hung-chang. Most 
of the foreign ministers are without instructions. At a meeting of the 
diplomatic corps yesterday it was suggested that if the Emperor and 
Empress Dowager could be induced to return to Peking negotiations 
might be greatly facilitated. All agreed that if they could be with- 
drawn from the influence of Prince Tuan and other pernicious advisers 
it would be better. Much time could also be saved, because if acts 
of Prince Ching and Li Hung-chang must be presented to the Throne 
for approval, it would take weeks to get them to Sianfu and returned. 
* *• * * * * * 

It was agreed that each would write an informal note to Prince 
Ching suggesting the return of the Emperor and Empress Dowager, 
the Court, or the Emperor, as he pleased. I preferred to mention 
only the "Emperor," and have written Prince Ching accordingly, 
inclosing a copy herewith of the note sent him. 
I have, etc., 

E. H. Conger. 



KEPOET OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 35 

[Inclosure . — Informal.] 

Mr. Conger to Prince Ching. 

Peking, September 16, 1900. 

Your Highness: I have the honor to address your highness concerning the exist- 
ing situation. Into the cause of that situation it is not necessary at this moment to 
inquire. It is sufficient to refer to the fact that in order to relieve the foreign lega- 
tions from imminent peril a joint expedition was undertaken by various foreign powers, 
which has led to the withdrawal of the court and the present occupation of the 
capital. 

The main object of this expedition was the relief of the legations, and as soon 
as that was accomplished the ministers showed their willingness to terminate hos- 
tilities by welcoming your highness back to Peking for the purpose of opening peace 
negotiations. 

These negotiations seem to be delayed by the nonarrival of the grand secretary, Li 
Hung-chang. In the meantime I beg to point out to your highness that it is my per- 
sonal opinion that permanent peace negotiations would be very much facilitated if the 
Emperor were also to return to the capital. 

It is, as your highness must acknowledge, difficult to restore tranquillity to the coun- 
try while the minds of the people are disturbed by uncertainty as to the future, and 
nothing would reassure them more than His Majesty's return. While he remains 
at a distance, surrounded by the same advisers as before, the prospect of a perma- 
nent settlement must remain doubtful, however successful your highness may be in 
arranging its terms, for it suggests both to foreign governments and to the people 
that there will be no change in the policy of the Throne toward foreign powers and 
their subjects in China. 

I therefore venture to suggest to your highness the advisability of making known 
to His Majesty the views herein expressed, and I beg to add that there need be no 
apprehension that if he returns he will be treated otherwise than with all respect 
or subjected to any restraint. 

I am sure that the treatment your highness has received since your return will 
support this assurance. 

I have, etc., E. H. Conger. 



Mr. Conger to Mr. Ray. 

No. 416.] Legation of the United States, 

Peking, China, September W, 1900. 
Sir: I have the honor to inclose herewith translation of Prince 
Ching's reply to my informal note of the 16th instant regarding the 
return of the Emperor to Peking, copy of which I transmitted in my 
No. 413 of the 16th instant. 

I have, etc., E. H. Conger. 



[Inclosure —Translation.] 

Prince Ching to Mr. Conger. 

Peking, September 19, 1900. 
Your Excellency: On the 16th instant I had the honor to receive your excel- 
lency's note, in which you state that the main object of the expedition sent by the 
various foreign powers was the relief of the legations, and as soon as that was accom- 
plished the ministers showed their willingness to terminate hostilities and open peace 
negotiations. Your excellency also pointed out that it is your personal opinion that 
permanent peace negotiations would be very much facilitated if the Emperor were to 
return to the capital; that the minds of the people are disturbed, and nothing would 
reassure them more than His Majesty's return. While he remains at a distance the 
prospect of a permanent settlement must remain doubtful, however successful I may 
be in arranging its terms, for it suggests that there will be no change in the policy of 
the Throne toward foreign powers and their subjects in China. Your excellency 



36 REPOET OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 

therefore suggested the advisability of making known to His Majesty the views 
expressed in your note and to add that there need be no apprehension that if he 
returns he will be treated otherwise than with all respect. 

In reply, I beg to observe that on account of the reckless manner in which disturb- 
ances have been caused by the Chinese banditti, which resulted in a revolution sud- 
denly breaking out, the forces of the various foreign powers came to Peking to relieve 
the legations. I feel a deep sense of shame that this should have been found necessary. 

Your excellency's note is full of peaceful sentiments. You say that the return of 
His Majesty will have the effect of reassuring the minds of the people. From this it 
is evident that your excellency is interested in what is good and right, and that you 
hold upright and noble views. Words are inadequate to express my gratitude and 
thanks for your excellency's kindly expressions. 

I have, together with some of the high ministers of Peking, prepared a joint memo- 
rial to the Emperor requesting his return to Peking. I shall have a copy of your excel- 
lency's note made and send it to His Majesty, together with the other memorial, 
within a day. 

The grand secretary, Li Hung-chang, has already left Shanghai for Tientsin and 
should be here in a few days. When the terms of peace have been determined upon 
and settled, (China) will not fail to see that they are wholly and sincerely acted upon. 
On no account will matters be attended to as heretofore, and your excellency need 
not be too anxious about this. 
Cards, compliments, etc., 



Mr. Conger to Mr. Hay, 

No. 419.] Legation of the United States, 

Peking, September 27, 1900. 

Sir: 1 have the honor to confirm my telegrams of the 24th and 27th 
instants and to say that at this end of the line but little, if any, progress 
is being made toward a settlement of existing troubles. 

Better order is being established in the city, and particularly in the 
portions under the jurisdiction of the Americans and Japanese; the 
Chinese are returning to their homes, opening their shops, etc., but 
each army is acting independently and controlling in its own way the 
section over which it has charge. 

Outside the city the Chinese soldiers and Boxers are as active and 
hostile as ever. Scouts and reconnoitering parties are meeting them or 
being fired upon from ambush almost daily. 

Foreign troops have been sent out in various directions from 5 to 
30 miles and have met and punished them severely in several places, 
but they return again or others appear elsewhere. 

On the 25th instant a note was received by the dean of the diplomatic 
corps from Prince Ching, copy of which I inclose, reciting the efforts 
of the ad interim viceroy of Chihli (I think the provincial treasurer, 
since executed by the Pao-ting punitive expedition) to exterminate the 
Boxers, but we have no evidence of the success of his efforts, and I 
apprehend they do not extend much beyond the issuance of orders and 
proclamations, to which little or no attention is paid. I also inclose 
copy of a note received by the dean of the diplomatic corps yesterday, 
transmitting copy of an Imperial decree appointing Jung Lu to assist 
in peace negotiations, and also ordering Prince Ching to communicate 
concerning negotiations with the Viceroys Liu Kun-yi of Nanking and 
Chang Chih-tung of Wuchang. 

These viceroys are at their homes. Li Hung-chang is at Tientsin, 
Jung Lu is at Paoting-f u, and Prince Ching here. None of them has 
exhibited any powers, nor has there been any request made to start 
negotiations. 



REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 37 

The Russian minister, with his whole legation staff, removed to 
Tientsin on the 29th. The French are to follow soon. The Germans 
have been ordered to go when the others do. The Japanese have 
expressed a willingness to go, so that there seems little prospect of 
beginning early negotiations here. There is considerable objection to 
accepting Jung Lu as a negotiator, because during the siege he was 
commander in chief of the Imperial troops, and soldiers belonging to 
his special corps were often in evidence in our immediate front. 1 am 
not sure, however, that it will be persisted in. 

It has been my idea, and with which, upon conferring freely, as 
directed, with Mr. Rockhill, I find he agrees, that negotiations of the 
most preliminary character should be started here at once, or just as 
soon as the Chinese Government showed an earnest effort and a sincere 
desire to negotiate. 

For instance, declaring the purpose of the foreign powers in land- 
ing troops in China, and the Chinese agreeing at once to suspend hos- 
tilities, restore order, and speedily arrange for just and reasonable 
indemnity to the several powers and for full reparation for all wrongs 
and injuries suffered by their citizens and subjects, and to guarantee 
that for the future the treaty and international rights of all the powers 
shall be secure and all interests and property of foreign citizens be 
adequately conserved, and mutually agreeing that plenipotentiaries 
shall be appointed to negotiate an equitable settlement of all the ques- 
tions arising out of the recent troubles, and that as soon as such pleni- 
potentiaries are duly named and qualified the foreign troops, except 
adequate legation guards, not to exceed an average of 1,000 for each 
legation, shall be retired to points near the coast pending the comple- 
tion of negotiations, etc. This would make a start, would give a base 
for negotiations, which could then be conducted at some convenient 
place for the powers, and the presence of the allied forces at Peking and 
coast points would compel Chinese to keep faith, at least pending the 
completion of negotiations. If this can not be done, and done quickly, 
complications are likely to arise and possible differences among the 
powers result, which will compel separate settlements and the certain 
dissolution of the Empire. 

The Germans are now insisting upon the surrender and punishment 
of the original and real instigators of the crisis in Peking * * * 
before any negotiations whatever are begun. This should by all means 
be accomplished, and probably can be, before final settlement, but if it 
is to be insisted on as preliminary to all, then no negotiations will be 
possible. 

I have, etc., E. H. Conger. 



[Inclosure 1 in dispatch No. 419.] 
Prince Ching to Mr. de Cologan. 

The 29th the viceroy pro tempore of Chihli addressed to me the following com- 
munication- 

" 1 have the honor to acknowledge receipt of the communication in which you say 
to me : ' The Boxers of Chihli and of Peking are within your jurisdiction, and you ought 
to disperse them without delay. If they dare to recommence the struggle, exter- 
minate them with your soldiers in order to prevent new reprisals.' Mr. de Giers told 
me in an interview that in the neighborhood of Feng-tai, where they were repairing 
the railway, there were still Boxers armed with guns, who held the country, and 
requested me to have them disbanded or destroyed. It is necessary that you act 
with vigor. 



38 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 

" The beginning of hostilities between China and the powers [said the pro tempore 
viceroy of Chihli] had for its origin the existence of the Boxers. They are the cause of 
the ruin of Peking and of Tientsin and of the destruction of the inhabitants. My heart 
has been most grievously affected, and I burn with a desire to take and execute their 
chiefs and arrest their followers. But thinking of the means to ace ••mplish this, I 
consider that the deserted soldiers are also scattered everywhere for the purpose of 
creating disorder, and that the first thing to do is to suppress them. I have not a 
sufficient military force for both tasks. 

" I have commenced by presenting to the Throne the question of the Boxers and 
asking for an Imperial decree ordering all the great military chiefs to exterminate 
them. On the 10th instant the Taotai Tan Wen-huan, at the head of the Boxer 
chiefs Tsao Fu-tien, etc., nine in all, came to Tientsin to renew the troubles. I 
immediately sent some officers to arrest these Boxers. Eight were beheaded and 
their (heads) exposed. Tan Wen-huan escaped by a circuitous route. Three 
Boxers were taken alive. Che San, one of them, was examined, sentenced, and 
beheaded. As to Tan Wen-huan, I have requested from the Throne his degredation. 

" Tsao Fu-tien is the chief of the Boxers of Shantung and was the instigator of 
the troubles at Tientsin, but the Tsao arrested at Tientsin is another individual. 
The real Tsao Fu-tien has fled with the Taotai Tan, but his crimes are innumerable 
and his capital condemnation is necessary for the public good. As to the other 
Boxers, they are the principal leaders in the subprefectures of Ching Hai and Yen 
Chiu (Chihli). I think it is necessary to decapitate them or they will continue to 
incite uprisings among the people. 

' ' After the destruction of Peking and Tientsin a large number of Boxers took refuge 
in the subprefecture of Liang Hsiang, near Peking, and around Tientsin there are also 
some. If they are not immediately exterminated they will recommence their mis- 
chief. So I have sent some large forces to exterminate them. I have also sent a 
brigadier-general from Tientsin, Lin Che-piao, and a lieutenant colonel, Tan Tien- 
kuei, into the north of Chihli; a general of division, Lu Pen-yuen, in the region of 
Ho-chkiu-fu (near Tientsin), with order to confer with the general commanding at 
T'sang Chou, Nei Tsung-yi, and I have enjoined all the camps from south to north 
to unite their efforts, hoping thus to destroy the very root of the Boxers. Those 
which were at Tientsin exist no longer. This then is the present situation of the 
question of suppressing the Boxers. 

"I have received the communication in which it is said that the European powers 
desire to send out troops to exterminate the Boxers in order to end the troubles and 
protect the merchants. Now the Boxers sometimes show themselves and then dis- 
perse. I fear that the arrival of foreign troops would frighten the people and cause 
them to flee en masse, while the Boxers would scatter on all sides. So China her- 
self ought to accomplish the task of exterminating the Boxers in her own territory 
and of protecting the missionaries in order to hasten the conclusion of peace and the 
protection of commerce. 

' ' In regard to the region of Feng-tai, where they are at present repairing the rail- 
way, and where there are still some Boxers, it is necessary to immediately extermi- 
nate them; but in these localities there are foreign troops. If the Chinese troops 
are sent there it is to be feared that conflicts will occur. 

' ' I beg you to discuss this question with the foreign ministers. When European 
troops may be in the neighborhood they ought to permit the Chinese troops to pass 
for the purpose of going to fight the Boxers, each controlling their own soldiers and 
not impeded by the operations of the others. This will facilitate the suppression of 
the rioters, etc. " 

I (Prince Ching) consider that the viceroy pro tempore of Chihli offers some 
excellent ideas concerning the suppression of the Boxers, and that his letter is very 
sensible. I therefore submit it to the examination of your excellency, and beg you 
to communicate it to your colleagues. 



[Inclosure 2 in dispatch No. 419.— Official dispatch.] 
Prince Ching to Mr. de Cologan. 

On September 9 I received an Imperial decree as follows: 

"Li Hung-chang has at different times requested us by telegraph to designate one 
or more princes and ministers to treat of peace. 

"I have named Prince Ching and ordered him to return to Peking and put himself 
in telegraphic communication for negotiations with Liu Kun-yi and Chang Chih- 
tung. I have besides charged Jung Lu to concert with them in negotiating; and in 
order to facilitate their relations Jung Lu has gone to Huo-lu. I order him to go 



REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 39 

immediately to Paoting-fu and await there until the arrival at Tientsin of Li Hung- 
chang, etc. Respect this." 

I hasten to make this known to you and beg you to communicate it to your 
colleagues. 



Mr. Conger to Mr. Hay. 

No. 423.] Legation of the United States, 

Peking, China, October 4, 1900. 

Sir: I have the honor to confirm Department telegrams of Septem- 
ber 22 and 29 and mine of October 1, 3, and 4. I also inclose copy of 
Imperial decree mentioned in my telegram of the 3d instant, and which 
has to-day been received by the dean of the diplomatic corps from 
Prince Ching. The punishments so far as named are grossly inade- 
quate. Titles of nobility can easily be restored, and it is not uncom- 
mon for a Chinese officer to be degraded, and soon thereafter to be 
reinstated or promoted to a higher place. Oovernor Yii Hsien and 
General Tung Fu-hsiang, who, with the exception of Prince Tuan, 
were the worst of all, are not mentioned in the decree. 

The question of punishment is most important, but, in my judg- 
ment, it ma} 7 well be left until after preliminary negotiations are 
begun. 

The arrival of Li Hung-chang is still awaited. More German 
troops are arriving, while American and Japanese are being with- 
drawn. The foreign ministers all seem to be waiting definite instruc- 
tions, so no apparent progress is being made. However, I shall do 
whatever I properly may to facilitate the preliminary negotiations. 
I have, etc., 

E. H. Conger. 



[Inclosure in dispatch No. 423.] 
Imperial decree issued by the Emperor at Tax- Yuan Fu, Shansi. 

On the 25th of September the grant secretariat received a decree as follows: 

The trouble at the present time which broke out between China and foreign 
countries is a revolutionary movement quite out of the ordinary, and has been the 
cause of bringing calamity upon us. This was not in accordance with our wish, and 
it is all due to the princes and ministers of state having participated in and protected 
the "Boxer" banditti movement, thus embroiling us in trouble with friendly 
nations, causing injury to our state and our removing from the capital. 

We certainly can not but acknowledge that we are at fault and reprove ourselves, 
the princes and ministers having without cause stirred up the present trouble. It is 
urgently necessary that they should have meted out to them various degrees of a 
severe form of punishment. 

Let Prince Chuang, Prince I, Tsai Lien, and Tsai Ying (the last two princes of the 
third order) be deprived of their rank or title of nobility. Prince Tuan we treat 
(more) leniently, and he is hereby removed from all his official appointments and 
handed over to the Imperial clan court for the determination of a severe form of 
penalty; he is also deprived of his official salary. Duke Lan, and Ying Nien, presi- 
dent of the censorate, are ordered to be handed over to the yamen concerned for the 
determination of a severe form of punishment. K'ang I, assistant grand secretary 
and president of the board of civil office, and Chao Shu-chiao, president of the board 
of punishments, are to be handed over to the censorate and board of civil office for 
the determination of a penalty, in order to make an example of them. 

We have been charged and intrusted by our ancestors with the performance of an 
important post. Our only hope is to serve and protect the public interests, regard- 
less of others. The princes and ministers have not served the country as good states- 
men, and they have themselves to blame. This is understood by the officials and 
people of the Empire. 



40 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 

Mr. Conger to Mr. Hay. 

No. 427.] Legation of the United States, 

Peking, China, October 19, 1900, 

Sir: I have the honor to confirm, on the overleaf, my telegram of 
the 16th instant, and to inclose copy of the convention submitted by 
Prince Ching and Earl Li Hung-chang, their note of transmission 
and my acknowledgment thereof. The dean of the diplomatic corps 
also received a brief note requesting the ministers to visit the plenipo- 
tentiaries to discuss the proposed terms of settlement on the 20th 
instant, or on any other day which might suit their convenience. 

The German minister has not yet arrived; the new British minister 
is here, but has not yet taken charge; the French minister is ill, so 
there must still be some delay before commencing negotiations. In 
the meantime I hope to receive reply to my telegram of the 16th instant. 

It will be useless for the foreign representatives to meet with Chinese 
plenipotentiaries for discussion until the powers have more fully 
agreed among themselves. I still think it best, as I have already 
written you, and which I understand is in accordance with the view of 
the Department, that a convention, the most preliminary possible, 
should be made, which shall include the restoration of order, the 
reestablishment of potential government, agreements to negotiate, how 
and when, guaranties of punishment, indemnities, and future protec- 
tion of all foreign rights and interests; to be followed by due appoint- 
ment of plenipotentiaries, who shall make, as nearly as can be done, a 
general final settlement, leaving as little as possible for separate nego- 
tiations between the separate powers. However, a purpose seems now 
to be indicated by most of the representatives here to let the very first 
negotiations include and settle as much as possible, and let separate 
negotiations with the various powers settle the rest. 

* * * * * * * 

The expeditions which left here and Tientsin for Pao-ting Fu some 
days since met with no opposition on the way, and the city was sur- 
rendered on their approach without firing a gun. 

We have no information of their determination as to proceeding 
farther into the interior or returning, though it is reported that the 
French and German troops will remain there indefinitely, the former 
because of their and the Belgian interest in the railroad and the latter 
for what reason is not known. 

Count von Waldersee is here, but further great international move- 
ments appear not to be necessary. Chinese soldiers, so says Li Hung- 
chang, have been ordered not to fire on or oppose the movements of 
the foreign armies in any way. This seems to be confirmed by the 
reports from the Pao-ting Fu expeditions, and indicates a practical sus- 
pension of hostilities in this province. 

I have seen the French proposals and anxiously await your views 
thereon. Lord Salisbury telegraphed the British minister that all the 
Governments have agreed to them. 

I have, etc. E. H. Conger. 



REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 41 

[Inclosure 1.] 
Prince Ching and IA Hung-chang to Mr. Conger. 

His excellency Mr. Conger: 

Last spring the Boxer bandits made their appearance around Peking and caused the 
most unheard of calamities; they multiplied so fast that at last they besieged the for- 
eign legations, and then the powers sent troops to Peking and the Court removed to a 
distant place. If anyone had predicted these events several months beforehand 
nobody would have believed him. But now the Court is aware that these misfor- 
tunes came through the protection given the Boxer banditti by princes and ministers; 
these delinquents, therefore, are to be severely punished according to Chinese law, 
as the proper tribunals may decide, and we, Prince Ching and Li Hung-chang, have 
been appointed plenipotentiaries with full powers to open negotiations for peace at 
once and settle this affair. But our negotiations will not be confined to one country, 
nor will the questions be the same with all the countries concerned; add to this the 
unusual nature of the case and it will be seen that the negotiations are beset with 
difficulties. 

In view of this we think it will be better first to settle general questions with the 
combined powers in a special convention applying to all, and then proceed to nego- 
tiate a separate treaty in detail with each power as varying conditions will require. 
This done, the commercial treaties may then be settled if any changes are to be made 
in existing ones, and, finally, rules for application of treaty provisions in specified 
provinces may be made for the common benefit and lasting security of both high 
contracting parties. 

We inclose herewith for your consideration and that of the diplomatic corps copy 
of draft of the preliminary convention we propose, and we ask that your excellency 
will telegraph our proposals to your Department of State, with the view to an early 
settlement of these matters. 

Besides sending you this copy we have sent similar ones to your colleagues, and 
we now beg your excellency to consider this matter and favor us with a reply. 

[Subinclosure. — Translation.] 

His Majesty the Emperor, being oppressed with sorrow for the unexpected events 
of the past few months, has now appointed the writer, Prince Ching, to return to 
Peking to verbally express this sentiment, and has given to us, namely, Prince Ching 
and Minister Li Hung-chang, full plenipotentiary powers to settle all affairs that 
may come under discussion. As a preliminary we now submit the subjoined draft 
of articles proposed for a special convention between the combined powers and 
China: 

Article 1. Laying siege to legations of foreign ministers is a high offense against one 
of the important principles of international law. No country can possibly tolerate 
such a thing. China acknowledges her great fault in this respect and promises that 
it shall never occur again. 

Art. 2. China admits her liability to pay indemnity for the various losses sustained 
on this occasion, and the powers will each appoint officials to examine and present 
all claims for final consultation and settlement. 

Art. 3. As to future trade and general international relations, each power should 
designate how these matters should be dealt with — whether the old treaties shall 
continue or new conventions be made slightly adding to the old treaties or canceling 
the old treaties and negotiating new ones. Any of these plans may be adopted, and 
when China has approved further special regulations can be made in each case as 
required. 

Art. 4. This convention will be made by China with the combined powers to cover 
general principles which apply alike to all. This settled, the foreign ministers will 
remove the seals they caused to be placed in various parts of the tsungli yamen, and 
then the yamen ministers may go to the yamen and attend to business as usual. And, 
further, each power should arrange its own special affairs with China, so that sepa- 
rate treaties may be settled in due order. When the various items of indemnity are 
all arranged properly, or an understanding has been come to about them, then the 
powers will successively withdraw their troops. 

Art. 5. The troops sent to China by the powers were for protection of the minis- 
ters and for no other purpose, so when negotiations begin for treaties of peace each 
power should first declare an armistice. 

Note.— The "separate treaties" mentioned in article 4 are distinct from commer- 
cial treaties in article 3; each treaty will have its own procedure. The titles and pre- 
cedence of plenipotentiaries for insertion on the first page of the convention can be 
arranged at a meeting. 



42 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 

[Inclosure 3.] 

Mr. Conger to Prince Ching and Li Hung-chang. 

Peking, China, October 17, 1900. 
Your Highness and Your Excellency: I have the honor to acknowledge the 
receipt of the note of your highness and your excellency, transmitting a copy of a pro- 
posed convention prepared by your highness and your excellency suggesting certain 
terms as a basis for a settlement of the recent troubles which made it necessary for 
foreign powers to bring troops into China. 

I have, as you request, telegraphed the convention to my Government, and shall 
soon be ready to discuss it with you. 

I avail, etc., E. H. Conger. 



Mr. Hay to Mr. Conger. 

No. 289.] Department of State, 

Washington, October 2'3, 1901. 

Sir: I inclose herewith for your information a copy of a letter from 
Mr. Thomas D. Holmes, stating that Major Siao, the Chinese military 
official of Kinhwa, province of Chenkiang, China, rescued him and his 
family and another family — eight persons in all — from certain death at 
the hands of a Chinese mob in that city, and that for this act of kind- 
ness Major Siao has been recalled to Hangchao and degraded. 

The disgrace or other vindictive treatment of any official counseling 
friendly action toward foreigners or aiding them in their perilous 
straits is indirectly but none the less effectively a wrong to foreigners. 
A striking instance of this was seen in the decapitation of the two 
friendly members of the tsungli yamen and in the beheading of Chang 
Yen Hoon, formerly minister of China in Washington. Such acts not 
only deserve the severest censure, but persistence in their commission 
must inevitably impair if not destroy confidence in the protestations 
of the Chinese Government of its desire and purpose to punish the 
authors and abettors of antiforeign outrages. 

I am, sir, etc., „ John Hay. 



[Inclosure in No. 289.] 

Westfield, Union County, N. J., October 18, 1900. 

My Dear Sir: I, T. D. Holmes, was, with my family, about seven years in the 
interior of China. Last July we were hopelessly surrounded by a Chinese mob and 
were about to be murdered, but Major Siao, the military official of the city Kinhwa, 
in Chenkiang province, where we were, rescued us at the risk of his own life and gave 
us a private bodyguard and escort of 20 soldiers to Shanghai, and lent us $100 besides. 
For this act of kindness I learn that he has been recalled to Hangchao and degraded. 
Can not our Government look into the matter and, through our minister, protest to 
the viceroy at Hangchao against such treatment? The man had been in that posi- 
tion for eighteen years, and was a good official. 

I beg that this matter may be looked into, for if he had not helped us two families 
of eight persons would have been murdered. 

I am, very truly, yours, Thomas D. Holmes, 

(Class 1890, U. of R. ) 

Dr. D. J. Hill. 



REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 48 

Mr. Conger to Mr. Hay. 

No. 429.] Legation of the United States, 

Peking, China, October 25, 1900. 

Sir: I have the honor to confirm your telegram of the 19th and my 
reply of the 23d instant. 

I have obtained from the French minister a copy of the French 
propositions, and think we can use them as a base to work from. The 
new British minister is to take charge to-morrow, when we hope to 
have a general conference. 

My seventh suggestion does mean to put Peking or any other place 
that may possibly be selected as the capital of the Empire on the foot- 
ing of a treaty port. 

As yet none of the powers has appointed other than their ministers 
to negotiate, or sent advisers or counsel, and 1 should not like to be 
the only one for whom such support is deemed necessary. But, real- 
izing the unusually difficult problem before me, and knowing Mr. 
Rockhill's familiarity with the views and policies of the Department 
of State and his experience in important special diplomatic work, I 
should like very much to have his assistance, and hope he has already 
been instructed to join me. 

I have, etc. , E. H. Conger. 



Mr. Conger to Mr. Hay. 

No. 431.] Legation of the United States, 

Peking, China, October 27, 1900. 

Sir: 1 have the honor to confirm my telegram of the 26th instant, 
and to say that on yesterday the several foreign ministers met to form- 
ally begin the discussion of terms of a settlement to be presented to 
the Chinese plenipotentiaries. Each had been instructed that all the 
powers had agreed substantially or in principle with the French propo- 
sitions; and as the question of punishments was the first of these, it was 
the first taken up. After much discussion it was unanimously decided 
that the punishment of death should be demanded for 11 officials, whom, 
it is agreed by all foreign ministers and Chinese Government, are chiefly 
responsible for the crimes committed, to wit, Princes Tuan, Chuang 
and I (Pu Ching), Tsai Lien and Ysai Ying, Duke Lan, Tung Fu-hsiang, 
Yii Hsien, K'ang I, Chao Shu-chiao, Ying Nien. The manner of 
their death was much discussed, but it is believed that whatever we 
demanded, most of them would either voluntarily or by Imperial order 
commit suicide, so we simply say " death." I have to-day received a 
note from Li Hung-chang, which I inclose, informing me that Kang I 
had died and that Governor Yii Hsien had taken his own life by swal- 
lowing gold leaf. 

The details that come to us of the horrible murder and mutilation 
of our missionaries in the interior are so frightfully shocking that 
less severe punishment can not be asked, and I believe the Chinese 
Government are so impressed by the terrible results of their efforts 
to get rid of the foreigners that they will readily accede to our demand 
unless the court is held in the power of those who are to be thus pun- 



44 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 

ished; but whether or no, they should be made to do it and to furnish 
ample and satisfactory proof of its accomplishment. Provision must 
also .be made for adequate punishment for all provincial and local 
officials who may be proved to be in any way responsible for or acces- 
sory to the crimes. 

I inclose copy of my correspondence with Prince Ching and Li 
Hung-chang regarding the rumored probability of removal of the 
Yangtze viceroys. 

I have, etc., E. H. Conger. 



[Inclosure 1.] 
Mr. Conger to Prince Ching and IA Hung-chang. 

Peking, China, October 26, 1900. 

Youe Highness and Your Excellency: Reports are reaching me from several 
sources that reactionary and disturbing officials are being appointed in the Yangtze 
provinces; that the power of the viceroys is being thus undermined, and the removal 
of the viceroys Liu Kun-i and Chang Chih-tung is contemplated. I can not believe 
this, for such appointments or removals would be acts most unfriendly toward the 
foreign powers who are now trying to negotiate a settlement of the troubles which 
China has unfortunately brought upon herself. 

And yet the matter is so important that I am constrained to file a formal and 
energetic protest against such action, and respectfully request your highness and your 
excellency to communicate it to the Emperor by telegraph. 

I avail, etc., E. H. Conger. 



[Inclosure 2.] 
Prince Ching and Li Hung-chang to Mr. Conger. 

, Peking, October 27, 1900. 

Your Excellency: We have just received your excellency's communication, in 
which you state that reports have been reaching you that reactionary and disturbing 
officials are being appointed in the Yangtze provinces; that the power of the viceroys 
is being undermined, and the removal of the viceroys of the Liang Hu provinces and 
of Nanking is contemplated, but that you can not believe this, etc. 

In reply we have the honor to say that it is very evident from your excellency's 
communication that you are sincerely friendly in your intercourse with us, for which 
we feel exceedingly grateful. 

We would observe, however, that in regard to the two viceroys — Liang Hu provinces 
and Nanking — a decree was recently issued appointing these officers to consult with us 
in arranging terms of peace, and they are granted the position of minister plenipo- 
tentiary. The court certainly relies on the position of these officers, and they cer- 
tainly have not been removed from their respective posts. Even supposing that the 
idea [of their removal] emanated from persons who are opposed to them, still the 
fact of their being high officials of the Government would certainly prevent them 
from venturing to defeat or overthrow them before the very presence of the Throne. 
We may inform your excellency that we have never heard of the reports to which you 
allude, and even your excellency knows that they are certainly not really true. 

In sending this communication in reply to your excellency's, which we beg you 
will duly take note of, we ask you not to listen to false reports, etc. 

[Inclosure 3.— Private note.] 

IA Hung-chang to Mr. Conger. 

Peking, October 27, 1900. 

Your Excellency: I beg to inform your excellency that I have just received a 
telegram from the governor of Shensi, Ts'en, stating that Kang I died on the 18th 
instant, and that Yu Hsien died by taking poison (lit: swallowing gold). This 
information is perfectly true. Further, that Prince Tuan is not allowed to accom- 
pany the Emperor. 

Card of Li Hung-chang, with compliments. 



REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 45 

Mr. Conger to Mr. May. 

No. 435.] Legation of the United States, 

Peking, China, October SO, 1900. 

Sir: I have the honor to confirm my telegram of the 28th. To 
make the Chinese Government indemnify native Christians for wrongs 
to their persons and property by the " Boxer " movement, the responsi- 
bility for which the Imperial Government practically acknowledges, 
would be a most humane act, and would give to missionary work great 
prestige for the future; but it would open up an almost limitless field 
of investigation, and I am of the opinion that if the missionary socie- 
ties are adequately indemnified for their mission as well as their per- 
sonal property, and commensurate punishment exacted for guilty or 
negligent officials, that it will be going far enough. 

The missionaries can themselves settle many of the losses of their 
native Christians with the villagers where the losses have occurred. 
In fact, in some places the headmen of some localities have already 
proposed to rebuild the chapels and missionary residences destroyed/ 

After much discussion the ministers have all agreed that indemnity 
should be demanded for the losses of all Chinese who were during the 
recent trouble in the employ of foreigners. 
I have, etc. , 

E. H. Conger. 



Mr. Conger to Mr. Hay, 

No. 436.] Legation of the United States, 

Peking, China, November < 2, 1900. 
Sir: I have the honor to report that the foreign representatives are 
making some progress toward an agreement upon general proposition 
for a settlement, as you have already learned from my telegrams. 
We shall continue to strive to agree upon all essential points before 
presenting any to the Chinese plenipotentiaries. 

* * * * * * * 

On the 31st ultimo I proposed the following: 

For a further guaranty against future trouble an Imperial edict shall be issued and 
published everywhere in the Empire, making all viceroyal, provincial, and local 
officials responsible for order in their respective jurisdictions, and whenever anti- 
foreign disturbances or any other treaty infractions occur therein, which are not 
forthwith suppressed and the guilty persons punished, they, the said officials, shall 
be immediately removed and forever prohibited from holding any office or receiving 
any official honor. 1 

* * * * * * * 

There has heretofore been little trouble in securing removal of 
minor officials, but the removal, except in rare cases, of those of high 
grades has been impossible. And even when it has been done they 
have been very soon thereafter appointed elsewhere or honored and 
promoted. The case of Yu Hsien, governor of Shantung and Shansi, 
is in point. 

In regard to the return of the Emperor, Prince Ching, Li Hung- 
chang, and other prominent Chinese think it not possible for the 

J See For. Eel. of the United States, 1896, pp. 57-59. (W. R.) 



46 EEPOET OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 

court to return here as long as a large force of troops remains. They 
will not come until they can be allowed at least to control and police 
the city and vicinity. Besides, the weather will soon be too inclement 
for them to travel; so that the probability is that we shall not see 
them until spring. 

I have, etc. , E. H. Conger. 

Mr. Bockhill to Mr. Hay. 

No. 22.] Peking, China, November 16, 1900. 

Sir: I have the honor to transmit to you herewith a translation of a 
telegram received from Chang Chih-tung, viceroy at Wu-chang, relat- 
ing to the execution of the provincial treasurer of Chih-li and other 
officials at Pao-ting Fu, together with my reply sent him through our 
consul at Hankou. 

The opinion of the viceroy that these punishments should have been 
inflicted by the Chinese authorities agrees, I believe, with the views 
of the Department as shown by the Department's note of September 
21 to the German charge d'affaires in Washington. 
I am, etc, 

W. W. Rockhill. 



pnclosure 1.— Translation.] 
Viceroy Chang Chih-tung to Mr. Rockhill. 

Sir: I have learned that the allied forces at Paoting Fu killed the provincial treas- 
urer of Chihli, Ting Yung, and others, in all six men. I have also learned that the 
foreign soldiers have gone to various districts, imprisoned and killed various magis- 
trates. Although the reports in the foreign press say that the treasurer, Ting, had 
connived at and tolerated the ''Boxers," nevertheless since August he certainly- 
repented of his past deeds and dispatched soldiers to exterminate the " Boxer " ban- 
dits. Further, when the foreign soldiers went to Paoting Fu and the various dis- 
tricts, the treasurer did not lead his troops against the foreign soldiers, but went 
outside of the city to receive them and presented them with oxen and wine. It may 
be said that he certainly treated them kindly. Nothing was said beforehand that it 
was the purpose of the foreign forces to kill the treasurer, and, further, no explana- 
tion was made as to the crime he committed and a request made to China to deal with 
him herself. This can only cause foreigners to be treated with contempt, and still 
further give rise to a feeling of hatred in the future. It will be difficult for the 
Chinese officials to open their mouths in having any control in arranging peace, and 
they will be very much harassed. The Government of the United States is known 
to be equitable, sincere, and to do what is right, and desires China to exercise com- 
plete sovereign rights. This question was brought to the attention of the foreign 
powers by the United States, and it was agreed that China should herself deal with 
the leaders in this calamity. The action taken at Paoting Fu is at variance with the 
views of the United States, and this, I believe, the United States will agree to. The 
matter, however, is finished, and it is not necessary to thoroughly discuss it. What 
we are anxious about is that the foreign soldiers are still moving about in many direc- 
tions, and it is not known what may happen. I ask you to consult with Mr Conger 
and request the United States Government to use its best endeavors with the foreign 
powers to prevent them from again using their military power, so that the minds of 
the people may be set at rest and avoid further complications; that help may be 
offered to accomplish a settlement of terms of peace, and then enable China to get 
out of the difficulty. The people will then not- harbor any feeling of resentment. A 
speedy settlement will enable the merchants and farmers to resume their respective 
avocations. I can not express how I hope for the accomplishment of this. I beg the 
favor of a telegraphic reply. 

Chang Chih-tung. 

20th Chinese Moon. (November 11, 1900.) 



REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 47 

Mr. Hill to Mr. Rockhill. 

No. 16.] Department of State, 

Washington, January 11, 1901. 
Sik: I have to acknowledge the receipt of your dispatch No. 22, of 
November 16 last, inclosing the translation of a telegram to you from 
Chang Chih-tung, viceroy at Wuchang, in relation to the execution 
of the provincial treasurer of Chih-li, and other officials at Pao-ting 
Fu, together with a copy of your reply thereto. 

The Department approves your reply to the viceroy informing him 
that } T ou had communicated to your Government the substance of his 
telegram, and that the United States took no part whatever in the 
military expedition to Paoting Fu. 

I am, etc. , David J. Hill, 

Acting Secretary, 



Mr. Conger to Mr. Hay. 

No. 451.] Legation of the United States, 

Peking, China, November 16, 1900. 

Sir: Confirming my telegram of this date, I have the honor to 
report that while the military expedition of the allied forces were at 
Pao-ting Fu a court of inquiry was organized, and five Chinese 
officials were tried, and three of them sentenced to decapitation, viz: 
Ting Yung, the provincial treasurer, who, at the time of the murder 
of the missionaries last July, was provincial judge; Kuei Heng, the 
chief Tartar official of the city, and Wang Chang-kuei, a lieutenant- 
colonel of the Chinese army, who, with his command, stood idly by 
while the murders were committed. 

The present provincial judge, Shen Chia-pen, was recommended to 
be degraded and to be kept under military restraint until the appoint- 
ment and arrival of his successor. 

The tao-tai, T'an Wen-huan, was recommended to be sent to Tien- 
tsin for trial. 

The sentences were approved by Field Marshal Count von Waldersee, 
and on the 6th instant the three first were duly executed. 

For their connection with and gross negligence in the presence of the 
atrocious butchei y of the helpless missionaries these men richly deserve 
the punishment inflicted; but, under all the circumstances, and in 
view of the present negotiations for a settlement, 1 apprehend a wiser 
course would have been to hold the prisoners for execution by the 
Chinese authorities, under a peremptory demand by the powers. 

The whole movement has greatly frightened the court, and will 
make its early return to Pekin more difficult and less probable. 

It was known to the allied forces sending out this expedition that 
orders had been previously given by Li Hung-chang to the Chinese 
soldiers to make no resistance, and the provincial and city officials at 
Pao-ting Fu were instructed to come out and meet them and give 
tkem a friendly reception. * * * 

I have, etc., E. H. Conger. 



48 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 

Mr. Conger to Mr. Hay. 

No. 454.] Legation of the United States, 

Peking, China, November W, 1900, 
Sir: I have the honor to confirm my telegram of the 19th instant, 
and also to inclose 1 a copy of the decree therein mentioned. The 
punishments are all grossly inadequate, and by no means commensurate 
with the Crimes. Prince Tuan, the chief patron of the Boxers, and 
the responsible leader of the movement, is only stripped of his titles, 
and banished (?) to Moukden, the capital of Manchuria. The other 
princes are treated still more leniently. The two members of the 
Tsungli Yamen, Ying Men, and Chao Shu-chiao, who were also patrons 
of the Boxers and directors of their movements, are simply degraded, 
but remain in their high offices. Yu Hsien is punished a little more 
severely, but since he himself is responsible for the commencement of 
the Boxer movement in Shantung, and later for the murder of our 
missionaries in Shansi, and of which he, as governor of that province, 
boasts, nothing but death is a fit punishment for him. * * * 
1 have, etc., 

E. H. Conger. 



Mr, Conger to Mr. Hay, 

No. 455.] Legation of the United States, 

Peking, China, November 20, 1900. 

Sir: I have the honor to confirm your telegram of the 16th instant. 

When we reach the matter of reformation of the Tsung-li Yamen I 
will present the requirement that the minister for foreign affairs shall 
be able to speak some foreign language. But I fear this will limit the 
choice to a very small number of mostly young men, and preclude the 
selection of the stronger, better educated men of China. * * * 

We are discussing the question of Peking as a treaty port, but in 
order to reach an agreement on the preliminary demands I fear this 
will have to be deferred to a later period in the negotiations. 

As to the demand for posthumous honors, 1 have conferred with my 
colleagues and I find that this, too, must come later in the negotiations, 
if at all. With the exception of Chang Yin-huan, it is not known how 
thoroughly the others interested themselves in foreigners or foreign 
affairs. So far as our relation with them at the tsungli yamen was 
concerned, their friendship toward foreigners was notable only in con- 
trast with the intense antif oreign sentiments of their colleagues. 

I will urge the agreement upon a lump sum for indemnity at the 
proper time, and think if that plan can be adopted it will expedite final 
settlement. I have from the start tried to make the preliminary 
demands as general and as simple as possible, in order to avoid asking 
impossible terms which might defeat the purposes aimed at. I have 
been afraid that if we demand in the beginning the death of all the 
strong men surrounding the court their execution will be impossible, 
because there will be nobody to perform the work, and it is hardly to 
be expected they will execute themselves. 

1 See dispatch No. 540, dated February 20, 1901, for this inclosure. 



REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 49 

General Tung Fu-hsiang has command of all the troops with the 
court, and is practically master of the situation, and I have urged my 
colleagues to leave his name out of the first demand, so that he might 
carry out the imperial order for the execution of the others; but my 
colleagues are unanimous in their insistence that in view of the lead- 
ing part he and his troops have taken in the whole antiforeign move- 
ment, his name must be included in the very first demand, and, if the 
impossibility of compliance is made evident, some different arrange- 
ment can be made as the negotiations progress. 

You will observe from this that the word ''ultimatum," which I 
have used in my telegrams,' is not to be taken in its usual sense of mean- 
ing a fixed period within which demands must be complied with or 
hostilities will begin, but rather as an irrevocable decision, with a sort 
of mental reservation, that, in case of meeting actual impossibilities, 
it may be slightly changed. We have found it rather difficult to 
secure an agreement of the ten ministers upon all points, so several 
compromises have had to be made. We have, however, finally agreed 
in principle upon all the points named in my telegrams, except the 
one which requires China to agree to adopt such financial measures as 
the powers may indicate, to guarantee the payment of the said indem- 
nities, and the interest on the public loan. * * * 

I fully appreciate the importance of a speedy termination of nego- 
tiations. Trade is at a standstill. The revenues of China are falling 
off at the rate of half a million dollars per month; the expense of these 
great armies is adding so rapidly to her liabilities that soon it will be 
impossible for her to pay. Practically all missionary work is sus- 
pended, the business of our manufacturers and exporters at home is 
suffering, and unexpected internal disturbances may rise to further 
complicate matters at any time. Yet I think no settlement should be 
made that is not reasonably comprehensive, with an assurance of per- 
manenc}^, and adequate guaranties for the future. 
I have, etc., 

E. H. Conger. 



Mr. Conger to Mr. Hay. 

No. 459.] Legation of the United States, 

Peking, China, JVovemher 26, 1900. 
Sir: I have the honor to confirm my telegram of the 24th instant, 
and to inclose a copy of the note setting forth the demands which it 
is proposed to present to the Chinese plenipotentiaries, either jointly 
or in identic notes. Some of the ministers have not been instructed 
whether to sign joint or identic notes. I am aware that ordinarily our 
Government is not in favor of joint action with European powers, but 
this is so plainl}" a world-wide question, and the necessity of strength- 
ening our demands by unanimity, as well as by every other means, is 
so apparent, and being convinced that a joint note will be much more 
effective than separate notes, and will consequently hasten the final 
settlement which the President and yourself justly deem so important, 
I have felt myself authorized to sign a joint note, and shall do so if all 
the other ministers are so authorized. If not, we will send in identic 
notes. 

S. Doc. 67 4 



50 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 

The agreement of the Russian minister to the last paragraph of 
demand No. 5 was obtained b}^ employing the words "measures 
acceptable to" instead of "indicated by the foreign powers." 

There have been some concessions made by each minister, in order 
that we might reach an agreement. In consequence the demands are 
not exactly in accordance with the letter of your instructions, but are 
as near with their spirit as seemed possible to come to an agreement 
upon. I tried to have no names mentioned in connection with the 
death penalties, simply saying "all those mentioned in the decree of 
September 25, and such others as should be designated." Then I 
tried to have the name of Tung Fu-hsiang left out, in order to have 
him and his soldiers to punish the others. I also urged the dismantling, 
instead of razing, the Taku forts. But I was almost alone on all these 
propositions, and to have insisted upon them would have dehiyed 
indefinitely the negotiations. Therefore, in order to facilitate nego- 
tiations and secure the agreement of my colleagues to other important 
propositions, so that negotiations might begin, I yielded on these. If, 
therefore, the Governments all approve and authorize their repre- 
sentatives to sign, we ought to be ready to meet the Chinese pleni- 
potentiaries in a very few days. 

Besides the commercial and other reasons for an early beginning of 
negotiations heretofore mentioned, it is important in order to stop 
the military excursions being continually made into the interior by the 
European troops. In my judgment most of these are not necessary, 
and are greatly injuring the prospects of any satisfactory settlement. 

Although the note as inclosed has been definitely agreed upon, it is 
possible that by the direction of some of the Governments changes 
may be necessaiy. Should this, however, occur I will immediately 
inform you. 

I have, etc., E. H. Conger. 



[Inclosure 1.— Translation of amended text.] 

During the months of May, June, July, and August of the present year serious 
disturbances broke out in the northern provinces of China, and crimes unheard of 
in human history, crimes against the laws of nations, against the laws of humanity, 
and against civilization were committed under particularly odious circumstances. 
The piincipal of these crimes were the following: 

1. On the 20th June H. E. Baron von Ketteler, minister of Germany, proceeding 
to the tsungli yam en was murdered while in the exercise of his functions by soldiers 
of the regular army acting under orders of their chiefs. 

2. Tne same day the foreign legations were attacked and besieged, these attacks 
being continued without interruption until the 14th August, on which date the army 
of foreign troops put an end to them. These [attacks] were made by regular troops 
who joined the Boxers and who obeyed orders of the court emanating from the 
imperial palace. At the same time the Chinese Government was declaring officially 
through its representatives near the powers that it guaranteed the security of the 
legations. 

3. A member of the legation of Japan in the discharge of an official mission was 
killed by regulars at the gates of the city. In Peking and in several provinces foreign- 
ers were assassinated, tortured, or were attacked by Boxers and regular troops, and 
only owed their salvation to their determined resistance. Their establishments 
were pillaged and destroyed. 

4. Foreign cemeteries, particularly in Peking, have been desecrated, the tombs 
opened, the remains scattered. 

These events led the foreign powers to send their troops to China to protect the 
lives of their representatives and their nationals and to restore order. In their march 
on Peking the allied forces met with the resistance of the Chinese armies and had to 
overcome it by force. 

China having recognized its responsibility, expressed its regrets, and manifested the 



EEPOET OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 51 

desire to see an end put to the situation created by the disorder referred to, the pow- 
ers have resolved to accede to its request on the irrevocable conditions enumerated 
below, which they deem indispensable to expiate the crimes committed and prevent 
their recurrence: 

1. (a) Dispatch to Berlin of an extraordinary mission led by an Imperial prince to 
express the regrets of His Majesty the Emperor of China and of the Chinese Gov- 
ernment for the murder of his excellency the late Baron von Ketteler, minister of 
Germany. 

(b) Erection on the place of the murder of a commemorative monument worthy of 
the rank of the deceased, bearing an inscription in the Latin, German, and Chinese 
languages, expressing the regrets of the Emperor of China for the murder. 

2. (a) Death penalty for Princes Tuan and Chuang, Dukes Lan. Ying Men, Kang 
Yi, Chao Shu-chiao, Tung Fu-hsiang, and Yii Hsien and those whom the represent- 
atives of the powers shall later on designate. Exemplary punishment proportionate 
to their crimes for the other personages named in the Imperial decree of September 
25, 1900, and for those whom the representatives of the powers shall later on designate. 

(b) Suspension of all official examinations for five years in all the cities in which 
the foreigners have been massacred or have been subjected to cruel treatment. 

3. An expiatory monument shall be erected by the Imperial Chinese Government 
in each of the foreign or international cemeteries which have been desecrated and 
in which the tombs have been destroyed. 

4. Maintenance, under conditions to be settled between the powers, of the inter- 
diction of the importation of arms as well as of material for the manufacture of arms 
and munitions. 

5. Equitable indemnities for the governments, societies, and individuals, as well 
as for the Chinese who have suffered during the late events in person or in property 
on account of their being in the service of foreigners. 

China shall adopt financial measures acceptable to the powers for the purpose of 
guaranteeing the payment of said indemnities and the interest on loans. 

6. Right for each power to organize a permanent guard for its legation and to put 
the diplomatic quarter in a state of defense. Chinese shall not have the right to 
reside in this quarter. 

7. The forts of Taku and those which could prevent free commmiication between 
Peking and the sea shall be razed. 

8. Right to occupy militarily certain points to be settled on by an understanding 
between the powers for keeping open communication between the capital and the sea. 

9. The Chinese Government shall have posted during two years in all subprefec- 
tures an Imperial decree stating — 

(a) Perpetual prohibition under pain of death from belonging to any antiforeign 
society. 

(6) "Enumeration of the punishments which shall have been inflicted on the 
guilty, together with the suspension of all official examinations in the cities where 
foreigners have been murdered or have been subjected to cruel treatment. 

(c) An Imperial edict shall be made and published throughout the Empire declar- 
ing that the governors-general and governors and all provincial or local officials 
shall be responsible for order in their jurisdictions, and that in case of fresh troubles 
or other infractions of treaties, and in case of acts of hostility against foreigners which 
shall not have been immediately repressed and the guilty persons punished, these 
officers shall be at once removed from office and may not be recalled to new functions 
or receive new honors. 

10. The Chinese Government pledges itself to negotiate the amendments deemed 
useful by the foreign representatives to the treaties of commerce and navigation, and 
upon other subjects relating to commercial relations with the object of facilitating 
them. 

11. The Chinese Government pledges itself to reform the office of foreign affairs 
and to modify the court ceremonial concerning the reception of foreign representa- 
tives in the sense which the powers shall indicate. 



Mr, Conge?" to Mr. Hay. 

No. 461.] Legation of the United States, 

Peking, China, November SO, 1900. 
Sir: 1 have the honor to inclose copy of two communications which 
I addressed to the peace commissioners on the 19th and 27th of Novem- 
ber, respectively. Identic notes were also sent by my colleagues. 



52 EEPOET OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 

The first was sent because it was considered by the diplomatic body- 
that in view of the active part taken by Tung Fu-hsiang in the attempt 
to massacre all foreigners in north China, and the bad influence he 
was exerting through his military power, it was no place for him to 
be near the court. 

The second refers to honors conferred on Li Ping-heng and his son 
and grandson, as will be seen by the two decrees inclosed herewith. 
Li Ping-heng has always been notorious for his hatred of foreigners 
and everything foreign. He was governor of Shantung in 1897, when 
the murder of the two German missionaries occurred, which led to the 
seizure by Germany of the port of Kiao-chao. He was degraded two 
steps, and transferred to another post. This sentence, by the wording 
of the decree, could not be commuted in any way. During the siege 
he arrived in Peking, and was largely instrumental in bringing about 
the death of the six Chinese ministers who were favorable to foreign- 
ers, and who were decapitated by Imperial decree. His antif oreign 
spirit was so marked and his sympathy with the Boxer movement so 
intense that the diplomatic corps regarded the action of the court in 
conferring upon him and his relations marks of Imperial favor calcu- 
lated to mislead public opinion, and they thereupon entered a protest 
by identic note, as will be seen by inclosure No. 2. 
I have, etc., 

E. H. Conger. 



[Inclosure No. 1.] 

Mr. Conger to Prince Ching, Li Hung Chang, etc. 

Peking, November 19, 1900. 
Your Highness and Your Excellency: I have learned that General Tung 
Fu-hsiang is still remaining with the court. 

In view of the important part which he has taken in the recent events, I consider 
that it is no place for him there, and he ought to be sent away at once. 
I avail myself, etc., 

E. H. Conger. 



[Inclosure No. 2.] 
Mr. Conger to Prince Ching, Li Hung Chang, etc. 

Peking, November 27, 1900. 

Your Highness and Your Excellency: I notice among the Imperial decrees, bear- 
ing date September 20, one conferring rank and privileges on a son and grandson of 
the late Li Ping-heng "as an indication of sincere regard for loyal and faithful service, 
a regard which is boundless and ever increasing. ' ' 

That His Imperial Majesty should duly reward loyal and faithful service is but 
meet and proper. In the present case, however, the fact of his using language such 
as that of the decree in question and a former one, issued immediately after the death 
of Li Ping-heng, eulogizing him and conferring posthumous honors on him, might mis- 
lead public opinion by inducing the Chinese people to believe that, while ostensibly 
negotiating with the powers for a renewal of the former friendly relations, the advisers 
of His Majesty continue to cherish the same hostile sentiments which have made the 
late Li Ping-heng so notorious. 

It is needless for me to dilate on Li Ping-heng' s record, his well-known antiforeign 
spirit, the incidents which marked his progress northward, the added vigor which he 
infused into the attack on the legations, his complicity in bringing about the death 
of high officials favorable to Europeans, and, last of all," his death, fighting to oppose 
the advance of troops seeking to save the lives of ministers and subjects of nations 



REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 53 

with whom His Imperial Majesty professed to be at peace. Such being the case, it 
is my duty most energetically to protest against the issue and publication of decrees 
of this kind, and I have to request you to be good enough to make representations in 
this sense, and to intimate that I request that such decrees are not published for the 
future. 

I avail myself, etc., E. H. Conger. 



[Inclosure No. 3. — Translation.] 

Decree issued on the 6th September and published in the Peking Manuscript Gazette 

November 3, 1900. 

Li Ping-heng, assistant generalissimo of the Wu-Wei army corps, formerly 
governor-general of Szechuan, was personally a pure and upright man. He showed 
himself a public-spirited and loyal officer in the administration of public affairs. He 
commenced his official career as a magistrate, and advanced to the highest rank. 
Wherever he held office he stopped abuses and punished the avaricious. He 
respected and loved to consider the feelings of the people. We had just promoted 
him to be governor-general of Szechuan, when, on account of certain affairs (Chan- 
tung missionary case), he was degraded and transferred to another post. On account 
of illness, however, he took home leave. 

Last year he was received in audience, and, fortunately, he had regained his health. 
We then appointed him to proceed on a mission of inquiry to Moukden. Afterwards 
we sent him as inspector of naval affairs on the Yangtze River, and he instituted 
reforms and put everything in proper working order. On the commencement of 
military operations we called him to Peking. In spite of the heat he hurried on the 
journey north, and on arrival received our commands to lead our troops. He had 
just arrived at the place he was to defend, when he found the country in a state of 
excitement over the war. He did not achieve any good results, but this was owing 
to the fact that the forces under his command had not been in training for any 
length of time, and the officers were unable to render any good services. We did 
not blame Li Ping-heng for losing in battle. We now learn that his troops were 
defeated in battle and retired, and on the 11th of August he committed suicide at 
Chang-Chia Wan, near Tung Chou. Although no memorial has been presented to 
us regarding his death, still the report that has come to us may be taken as reliable. 
Words are inadequate to express how grieved we are over the news of his death. 

Let Li Ping-heng have conferred upon him such favors as are by law prescribed 
for governors-general, and all bad marks against his name are hereby remitted. Let 
the yamen concerned look up the code and report to us any other marks of favor 
that should be bestowed upon him. Further, as an extra act of imperial favor, let 
a posthumous title be conferred upon him and sacrifices be made in the Chao-chung 
Ssu. Ting Yung is hereby appointed to offer libations to the spirit of the dead offi- 
cer. Let the local officials make all necessary arrangements when the body is con- 
veyed to its native place. 

Permission is given for the corpse to be conveyed into Peking. Let the military 
governor at Moukden ascertain whether the deceased left any relations in official 
life and report to us, so that we may confer on them some marks of our Imperial 
favor as an indication of our regard for a loyal officer. 



[Inclosure No. 4.— Translation.] 

Decree issued on the 19th of September and published in the Peking Manuscript Gazette 

November 16, 1900. 

Let Li Cheng-chun, eldest son of Li Ping-heng, an honorary licentiate, holding the 
rank of second degree, and an expectant assistant subprefect of Kiang-su, be pro- 
moted to be a magistrate of an independent department in Kiang-su; also let Li 
Hsieh-fu, eldest grandson of Li Ping-heng, be made a Chit- j en (provincial graduate), 
and he is permitted to compete for the metropolitan graduate's degree. 

The above promotions are conferred as an extra act of grace, as an indication of 
sincere regard for loyal and faithful service — a regard which is boundless and ever 
increasing. 



54 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 

Mr. Conger to Mr. Hay. 

No. 466.] Legation of the United States, 

Peking, China, December 5, 1900. 

Sir: I have the honor to confirm, as inclosures herein, your cipher 
telegram of the 27th ultimo, and mine of the 4th instant. 

The latter is the full text of the note including the demands which 
the ministers have unanimously agreed upon to be sent to the Chinese 
plenipotentiaries. You will observe that several changes have been 
made in the demands as originally sent to you; the most important of 
them in compliance with your telegram, and agreed to by a majority 
of my colleagues only because I strenuously insisted upon them, and 
in order not to greatly endanger negotiations by further unnecessary 
delay. All the ministers, except the Russian and British, had been 
instructed to sign the note as it was. The British minister had not yet 
received definite instructions, and the Russian minister had been 
instructed to sign only on condition that the death penalty was left 
out. I therefore had the active assistance of these two and the Japan- 
ese minister, and have been working with the others ever since the 
receipt of your telegram. 

A meeting was called, at my suggestion, on yesterday. Upon the 
question of substituting the words "severest punishment" for "death 
penalty,' 1 the German, Austrian, and Italian ministers voted "No," 
but agreed that when it came to signing the note the} 7 would sign the 
changed note. The death penalty having been stricken out, it w T as 
thought by a majority of the ministers that there could not be serious 
objection to the use of the word "irrevocable" in the preamble; but I 
insisted that it should go out, and, instead of referring* to the condi- 
tions as '"irrevocable," we would say "absolutely indispensable;" and 
finally all agreed that if my Government would not give way on this 
point, they all would, for the sake of harmonious and immediate action, 
agree to the change. But the German, French, Austrian, Italian, 
Spanish, and Belgian ministers very much preferred to retain the word 
"irrevocable," and begged me to ask my Government to yield. 1 
promised to telegraph you the facts and await instruction. 

Their principal reasons for insisting upon the word "irrevocable" 
were that any change would weaken our case and encourage the Chi- 
nese, and that by retaining the word there would be far less danger 
of quibbles and delays on the part of the Chinese; and that, with the 
words "death penalty" stricken out there was no danger in leavings 
the word "irrevocable " in. Besides, they all insisted that it was not 
used in the sense of an ultimatum. However, whether or not you 
insist upon its being stricken out, the note will be signed as soon as I 
hear from you. I am presuming that the British minister will by 
that time have received his instructions. Everything is so chaotic 
here and unexpected conditions so likely to arise at any moment that 
further delay is very dangerous. So many concessions have been 
made and so many changes agreed to by the several ministers that 
now, having reached a possible agreement, advantage should be taken 
of it and the matter closed. 

The British minister is expecting to-day his instructions to sign. 
When he does receive them, they w T ill be only waiting for me. I hope, 
therefore, very soon to receive your telegraphic approval of and 
authority to sign the note. 

I have, etc., E. H. Conger. 



REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 55 

Mr. Conger to Mr. Hay. 

No. 474.] Legation of the United States, 

Peking, China, December 12, 1900. 

Sir: The Chinese plenipotentiaries have repeatedly assured various 
representatives of the powers that their full powers in due form would 
be exhibited at the proper time, yet we have recently learned that 
they have no evidence of same except decrees which the\ r say they 
have received by telegraph. They have had three months in which 
to procure the fully authenticated documents themselves, and it is a 
great surprise to us all that they have them not. They have, however, 
promised to telegraph to the court a copy of the letters patent issued 
to Li Hung-chang for negotiations with Japan, and request the issu- 
ance of like powers now. 

This morning I received from Prince Ching and Li Hung-chang a 
communication, copy of which I inclose, setting forth another tele- 
graphic decree granting them full powers, and they again promise that 
when negotiations begin they will be able to present full powers, duly 
sealed and properly authenticated. 

This decree is also published in the Official Gazette to-da}^. 

It is therefore probable that satisfactory evidence of their full 
authority to act will be forthcoming in time to prevent serious delay 
in the negotiations. 

I have, etc., E. H. Conger. 



[Inclosure.] 
Prince Ching and Li Hung Chang to Mr. Conger. 

Peking, December 12, 1900. 

Your Excellency: We have the honor to transmit a telegraphic edict which we 
received, issued on the 9th of December, as follows: 

"By our imperial mandate, bearing our seal, full powers are given to I-K'uang 
(Prince Ching) and Li Hung-chang. Let action be taken as requested." 

We will respectfully act in accordance with (the above edict), and when negotia- 
tions commence we will present the Imperial mandate bearing the Imperial seal, for 
the inspection of the foreign ministers. 

As in duty bound, we send a copy of the above edict, so that your excellency may 
take note of it accordingly. 



Mr. Conger to Mr. Hay. 

No. 4:75.] Legation of the United States, 

Peking, China, December 12, 1900. 

Sir: Referring to my dispatch No. -1-61, of November 30 last, with 
reference to the removal of General Tung Fu-hsiang, Avith his bane- 
ful influence and inordinate power, from the immediate vicinity and 
control of the court, I have the honor to inclose herewith translation 
of a communication received from Prince Ching and Li Hung-chang, 
embodying an Imperial decree ordering him to Kansuh, and disband- 
ing 5,500 of his troops. 

There is in this action a pretense of punishment, but it can in 
nowise be accepted as commensurate with his offense. If, however, 
the decree is carried out and he and his troops are removed, the court 



56 EEPOET OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 

will be left free to punish other criminals, and to return, in due time, 
without hindrance, to Peking. Severer punishment for General Tung 
Fu-hsiang may be opportunely demanded a little later on. 
I have, etc., 

E. H. Conger. 



[Inclosure.— Translation.] 
Prince Ching and Li Hung-chang to Mr. Conger. 

Peking, December 9, 1900. 

Your Excellency: We had the honor, some time ago, to receive your excellency's 
note, in which you observed that General Tung Fu-hsiang should not be near the 
court, etc. 

We at once memoralized the Throne, setting forth the observations made by your 
excellency, and on the 3d of December a decree was issued as follows: 

"Tung Fu-hsiang, general of Kansu, formerly rendered meritorious service in 
the successive battles he w T aged against the Mohammedans in Kansu. After his 
transfer to Pekin he showed ignorance of the condition of affairs existing between 
China and foreign countries, and failed to respectfully sympathize with the Court's 
sincere purpose of cultivating friendly relations (with the powers). Whenever 
questions came up he generally treated them in an abrupt, careless manner, and it is 
right that he should be severely punished; but taking into consideration that (mat- 
ters in) the province of Kansu are of great importance, and as the said general is 
certainly the right man in the right place there, we will treat his offense leniently, 
and order that he be deprived of his rank but allowed to retain his office. Of the 
various troops under his command we have ordered that 5,500 be dismissed. We 
further order that the said general, with the various battalions of his bodyguard or 
own forces, at once return to Kansu and there take up a commanding or strategical 
position and establish defenses, so that we may see whether he exerts himself." 

As in duty bound we inclose the above decree for your excellency's information. 



Mr. Conger to Mr. Hay. 

No. 478.] Legation of the United States, 

Peking, China, December 17, 1900. 

Sir: I have the honor to inclose herewith copy of my telegram of 
the 16th instant, and to say that this suggested change comes as a 
great surprise from the British Government, because we have believed 
it fully appreciated the necessky of, and was as anxious for, early 
negotiations as an}^ of us. 

The British minister had agreed to the terms of the note as I tele- 
graphed it to jo\x, and believed himself authorized to sign, but pre- 
ferred to wait formal authorization. Hence nry former telegram to 
you saying that all of my colleagues were waiting for me. 

The British minister insists that the idea of his Government in 
suggesting the additional paragraph, " Until the Chinese Government 
has complied with the above to the satisfaction of the powers, the 
undersigned can hold out no expectation that the occupation of Peking 
and the province of Chihli by the general forces can be brought to a 
conclusion," is to limit the scope of possible ulterior operations to 
the continued occupation of Peking and the province of Chihli only, 
and so alleviate in part the rigor of the apparent ultimatum in the 
word i ' irrevocable. " 

•X- -X- tt * * * * 

As stated in nry telegram, the German and Russian ministers have 
already agreed to the addition, and all the others, except the Japanese 



REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 57 

minister, who is waiting a reply to telegram sent to his Government 
yesterday, have since signified their willingness to accept the addition. 

Most of my colleagues construe this British amendment rather in 
the nature of a promise to withdraw the troops from Peking if the 
Chinese Government does comply with our demands. If, therefore, 
the Chinese Government so understands, and properly appreciates the 
situation, and earnestly desires an amicable settlement, and will, with- 
out delay, accept the terms submitted b} T the powers, and at once set 
about compliance there with, the execution of nearly all the demands 
can either be fully accomplished or such progress made toward that 
end as will justify the withdrawal from Peking of all the troops except 
the actual legation guard, and the return of the Court to the capital. 
It will be impossible for the troops to withdraw before spring, and 
equally impossible for the Imperial Government to come hither before 
that time. It never can nor will come while the troops remain. 

In the meantime the criminals named can be punished; satisfactory 
arrangements can be made with the German and Japanese Govern- 
ments for sending the missions and erecting the expiatory monuments 
proposed; the Taku forts can be razed or arrangements made therefor; 
formal decrees can be issued covering other points, and all may be 
done from Sian Fu, leaving for future adjustment practically only 
demands Nos. 6 and 11; that is, questions of indemnities, requisite 
financial measures, and the necessary amendments to the treaties of 
commerce and navigation. These are the most important of all, and 
can not be settled at once. They can be much more equitably, satis- 
factorily, and speedily settled by a conference of the powers, either 
in Europe or America. * * * 

The question of withdrawing the troops from Peking is a most im- 
portant one, and will soon confront us. For the benefit of China, as 
well as in the interest of all the powers, it should be accomplished at 
the earliest possible date. * * . * It seems, therefore, that it would 
be advantageous if such preliminary communication might be had 
with the strong powers as would prepare the way for telegraphic 
orders for the immediate withdrawal of troops when the proper stage 
in the negotiations shall be reached. 

It would undoubtedly be necessaiy to continue considerable foreign 
force in China some time yet; that is, until negotiations are completed; 
though by no means the large armies now here. This force, however, 
ought to be located where it will have the least possible contact with 
the Chinese people, and interfere in the least possible way with Im- 
perial or local control of Chinese affairs, or the execution of Chinese 
laws. It should simply remain in China to insure the completion of 
satisfactoiw and promised negotiations, or for emergencies possible to 
arise while China is getting back to normal conditions. 

I write this dispatch at this time in anticipation and for the better 
understanding of probable telegraphic communications likely to be 
made later on. 

I have, etc., E. H. Conger. 



58 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 

Mr. Conger to Mr. Hay. 

No. 482.] Legation of the United States, 

Peking, China, December 23, 1900. 

Sir: I have the honor to confirm herewith your telegrams of the 5th , 
17th, 19th, and 21st instants, and mine of the 19th, 20th, and 22d 
instants. 

I am gratified with and grateful for your permission to sign the note 
in the final terms agreed to, and I believe it will turn out better thus 
than if we had insisted to the end of opening up the whole question 
again. 

I regret exceedingly the error in the transmission of your cipher 
telegram of the 5th instant. But for this all the late trouble and mis- 
understanding would have been avoided. As it arrived and was under- 
stood here, it instructed me to sign the note as the majorities desired— 
that is, retaining the word "irrevocable." It is true this did not make 
a correct grammatical construction, and for this reason its repetition 
might have been requested; but it was such a direct reply to the 
inquiry, in which 1 used the word "majority," that, after trying- 
numerous other combinations, we had no doubt that you intended 
for me to accede to the wish of the majority and retain the word. 
This construction did not seem unreasonable, since I understood your 
strongest opposition to the word grew out of its use in connection with 
the demand for death punishments, the omission of which I had secured. 
As further strengthening this view, I apprehended that you had con- 
cluded that it was such a short step from " conditions absolutely indis- 
pensable" to "irrevocable conditions" that the latter might be used 
instead of the former. Hence, as I wired you, I immediately notified 
all my colleagues, on the 7th instant, that my Government instructed 
me to accept the word "irrevocable," and we all believed the matter 
settled until the receipt of your telegram of the 16th instant. In the 
meantime all my colleagues had so wired their Governments, and none 
of them were willing, unless compelled to do so, to telegraph for fur- 
ther instructions. I therefore feel certain that your permission to sign, 
although reluctantly given, has greatly facilitated negotiations. I also 
hope and believe that no serious trouble can come from the retention 
of the word "irrevocable." 

A meeting of the ministers was held yesterday afternoon, in which 
I again clearly stated to my colleagues that my statement to them on 
the 7th instant, that my Government had agreed to the retention of 
the word "irrevocable," was a mistake, resulting from an error in the 
transmission of a telegram, and that, on the contrary, you had been 
opposed to the word from the beginning, and still believed its use 
unwise, as apparently equivalent to "ultimatum;" but that in order 
not to unnecessarily delay or imperil negotiations, you had authorized 
me to sign the note with its retention. I therefore signed, and it was 
decided to request Prince Ching and Li Hung-chang* to meet us at the 
Spanish legation at 10 o'clock a. m. on Monday, the 21th instant, when 
it will be presented to them. 

I inclose herewith a copy of the note in French, that being the 
language in which it is written; and also a copy of the English trans- 
lation agreed upon by the British minister and myself, which, together 
w T ith a Chinese translation, will accompany the note. * * * 
I have, etc., 

E. H. Conger. 



REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 59 

[Inclosure — Dispatch 482.— Translation.] 

During the months of May, June, July, and August of the present year, serious 
disturbances broke out in the northern provinces of China and crimes unprecedented 
in human history — crimes against the law of nations, against the laws of humanity, 
and against civilization — were committed under peculiarly odious circumstances. 
The principal of these crimes were the following: 

1. On the 20th of June his excellency Baron von Ketteler, German minister, pro- 
ceeding to the tsungli yamen, was murdered while in the exercise of his official 
duties by soldiers of the regular army, acting under orders of their chiefs. 

2. The same day the foreign legations were attacked and besieged. These attacks 
continued without intermission until the 14th of August, on which date the arrival 
of foreign troops put an end to them. These attacks were made by regular troops, 
who joined the Boxers, and who obeyed orders of the court, emanating from the 
Imperial palace. At the same time the Chinese Government officially declared by 
its representatives abroad that it guaranteed the security of the legations. 

3. The 11th of June Mr. Sugiyama, chancellor of the legation of Japan, in the dis- 
charge of an official mission, was killed by regulars at the gates of the city. At 
Peking and in several provinces foreigners were murdered, tortured, or attacked by 
Boxers and regular troops, and only owed their safety to their determined resistance. 
Their establishments were pillaged and destroyed. 

4. Foreign cemeteries, at Peking, especially, were desecrated, the graves opened, 
the remains scattered abroad. These events led the foreign powers to send their 
troops to China in order to protect the lives of their representatives and their nation- 
als, and to restore order. During their march to Peking the allied forces met with 
the resistance of the Chinese armies and had to overcome it by force. China having 
recognized her responsibility, expressed her regrets, and manifested the desire to see 
an end put to the situation created by the disturbances referred to, the powers have 
decided to accede to her request on the irrevocable conditions enumerated below, 
which they deem indispensable to expiate the crimes committed and to prevent 
their recurrence : 

1. (a) Dispatch to Berlin of an extraordinary mission, headed by an Imperial 
Prince, to express the regrets of His Majesty the Emperor of China, and of the 
Chinese Government, for the murder of his excellency the late Baron von Ketteler, 
German minister. 

(6) Erection on the place where the murder was committed of a commemorative 
monument suitable to the rank of the deceased, bearing an inscription in the Latin, 
German, and Chinese languages, expressing the regrets of the Emperor of China for 
the murder. 

2. (a) The severest punishment in proportion to their crimes for the persons desig- 
nated in the Imperial decree of September 25, 1900, and for those whom the repre- 
sentatives of the powers shall subsequently designate. 

(b) Suspension of all official examinations for five years in all the towns where 
foreigners have been massacred, or have been subjected to cruel treatment. 

3. Honorable reparation shall be made by the Chinese Government to the Japanese 
Government for the murder of Mr. Sugiyama, chancellor of the Japanese legation. 

4. An expiatory monument shall be erected by the Imperial Chinese Government 
in each of the foreign or international cemeteries which have been desecrated and in 
which the graves have been destroyed. 

5. Maintenance, under conditions to be settled between the powers, of the prohibi- 
tion of the importation of arms as well as of material used exclusively for the manu- 
facturing of arms and ammunition. 

6. Equitable indemnities for governments, societies, companies, and private indi- 
viduals, as well as for Chinese who have suffered during the late events in person or 
in property in consequence of their being in the service of foreigners. China shall 
adopt financial measures acceptable to the powers for the purpose of guaranteeing 
the payment of said indemnities and the interest and amortization of the loans. 

7. Right for each power to maintain a permanent guard for its legation and to put 
the legation quarter in a defensible condition. Chinese shall not have the right to 
reside in this quarter. 

8. The Taku and other forts, which might impede free communication between 
Peking and the sea, shall be razed. 

9. Right of military occupation <*f certain points, to be determined by an under- 
standing between the powers, for keeping open communication between the capital 
and the sea. 

10. («) The Chinese Government shall cause to be published during two years in 
all subprefectures an Imperial decree embodying: 

Perpetual prohibition, under pain of death, of membership in any antiforeign 



60 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 

Enumeration of the punishments which shall have been inflicted on the guilty, 
together with the suspension of all official examinations in the towns where for- 
eigners have been murdered or have been subjected to cruel treatment. 

(b) An Imperial decree shall be issued and published everywhere in the Empire 
declaring that all governors-general, governors, and provincial or local officials shall be 
responsible for order in their respective jurisdictions, and that whenever fresh anti- 
foreign disturbances or any other treaty infractions occur, which are not forthwith 
suppressed and the guilty persons punished, they, the said officials, shall be imme- 
diately removed and forever prohibited from holding any office or honors. 

11. The Chinese Government will undertake to negotiate the amendments to the 
treaties of commerce and navigation considered useful by the powers, and upon 
other subjects connected with commercial relations, with the object of facilitating 
them. 

12. The Chinese Government shall undertake to reform the office of foreign affairs 
and to modify the court ceremonial relative to the reception of foreign representa- 
tives in the manner which the powers shall indicate. 

Until the Chinese Government have complied with the above to the satisfaction 
of the powers, the undersigned can hold out no expectation that the occupation of 
Pekin and the province of Chihli bv the general forces can be brought to a conclusion. 
Peking, December 22, 1900. 

For Germany, A. Mumm. 

For Austria-Hungary, M. Czikaxx. 

For Belgium, Joostexs. 

For Spain, B. J. de Cologax. 

For United States of America, E. H. Coxger. 

For France, S. Pichox. 

For Great Britain, Erxest Satow. 

For Italy, Salvago Raggi. 

For Japan, T. Nissi. 

For Netherlands, F. M. Kxobel. 

For Russia, Michel de Giers.« 



Mr. Conger to Mr. Hay. 

No. 483.] Legation of the United States, 

Peking \ China, December ££, 1900. 

Sir: I have the honor to confirm on the overleaf my telegram of 
to-day, and to sa} 7 that at 10 o'clock this morning the representatives 
of the foreign powers met in formal session at the Spanish legation 
with Prince Ching, who came with his secretaries and interpreters. 
Li Hung-chang, who has for some days % been suffering with a severe 
cold, was not able to be present. 

The joint note heretofore telegraphed to you, and of which a copy 
was transmitted in my dispatch No. 482, of the 23d instant, was handed 
to Prince Ching by the Spanish minister, who read the brief remarks, 
copy of which I inclose. Prince Ching briefly responded in the few 
words, copy of which I also inclose. Prince Ching then delivered to 
each minister the full powers of himself and Li Hung-chang, which 
appear to be in proper form, duly signed with the Imperial seal. The 
sufficiency of the powers will be determined at the next meeting. I 
inclose a translation of them herewith. I also transmit herewith trans- 
lations of the note of the Spanish minister of the 23d, inviting the 
Chinese plenipotentiaries to meet with us, and Prince Ching's reply. 
I have, etc., 

E. H. Conger. 



REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 61 

[Inclosure 1.] 

Remarks made by Mr. de Cologan on placing the joint note in the hands of Prince Citing, 

December 24, 1900. 

I have the honor to hand you a joint note, in which the foreign representatives 
have set forth, in the name of their respective Governments, the conditions necessary 
for the reestablishment of friendly relations with China. 

I beg you will transmit it to His Majesty the Emperor of China, and give us as 
prompt a reply as possible. 



[Inclosure 2.] 

Translation of Prince Ching 1 s address in reply to M. de Cologan, December 24, 1900. 

Having received from their excellencies the ministers of the foreign powers the 
proposals for peace, I beg to say that I will at once send them by telegram to His 
Majesty the Emperor of China. On receipt of His Majesty's decree I will send the 
foreign ministers a reply . 



[Inclosure 3.] 

Translation of powers granted Prince Ching and Li Hung-chang. 

[An extraordinary Imperial mandate issued by His Majesty the Emperor of China.] 

Whereas we are desirous of placing the relations between ourselves and the Gov- 
ernment of the United States on an universal and friendly footing, we, for this pur- 
pose, specially delegate as our ambassadors plenipotentiary I-K'uang, an Imperial 
Prince of the first order, with the title of Ching, president of the Tsungli Yamen, and 
Li Hung-chang, a member of the first degree of the third rank of hereditary nobility, 
with the honorific appellation of Su-i, senior grand secretary, governor-general of the 
province of Chihli, minister superintendent of foreign trade. 

They will meet and treat with the plenipotentiaries appointed by all the powers, 
and, availing themselves of their discretionary powers of action, in concert with them, 
draw up preliminary articles (of a treaty), absolute authority thereto to append their 
names and affix their signs manual being granted to them. 

The said prince and minister are animated by feelings of loyal and disinterested 
patriotism, and their previous record of long and distinguished service gives us an 
assurance that they will display care and diligence in the exercise of their functions, 
and, by knitting together the ties of friendship which bind nations to each other, 
prove themselves not unworthy of the trust reposed in them. 

We shall ourselves ratify such treaty as may be agreed upon, and, if found to be in 
proper and due form, proceed to ratify the same. 



[Inclosure 4.] 
Mr. de Cologan to Prince Ching and Li Hung-chang. 

Peking, December 23, 1900. 

Your Highness and Your Excellency: In the name of my honorable colleagues, 
I have the honor to invite you to come to the Spanish legation on the 24th instant, 
at 10 o'clock a. m., for the purpose of having made known to you upon what con- 
ditions the representatives of the foreign powers consider that friendly relations 
between their Governments and China can be reestablished. 

The representatives of the powers consider that this meeting should be limited to 
the delivery of the note containing the conditions to which I have just alluded, and 
that consequently there should be permitted no exchange of views upon the subject. 

I content myself with communicating to your highness and your excellency the 
text of some words which I have been charged to address to you, and I will be grate- 
ful if you will, before the opening of the conference, furnish me with the text of the 
reply which you will make. 

I improve the occasion to reiterate to your highness and your excellency the assur- 
ance of my highest consideration. 



62 EEPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 

[Inclosure 5.] 
Prince Citing and Li Hung Chang to M. de Cologan. 

Peking, December 23, 1900. 

Your Excellency: We have just received your excellency's note, in which you 
invite us to meet at the Spanish legation on the 24th of December at 10 o'clock a. m., 
when will be presented to us in person the conditions upon which the representatives 
of the foreign powers consider that friendly relations between their Governments and 
China can be reestablished. Your excellency requests that we forward to you a copy 
of the address we will make at the meeting. 

In reply we beg to state that it is right that we should be at the Spanish legation 
at the appointed hour. The grand secretary, Earl Li, however, is laid up with a 
cold and will not be able to be present, but the Prince, with his attaches and inter- 
preters, will attend the meeting of the foreign ministers at the time named. 

We inclose copy of the address which will be made at the meeting, which we beg 
you will peruse. i 

Mr. Conger to Mr. Hay. 

No. 492.] Legation of the United States, 

Peking, China, January 5, 1901. 

Sir: 1 have the honor to report that En Hai, a Manchu soldier 
belonging to the Peking field forces, who was arrested in September, 
charged with having murdered the German minister, Baron von Ket- 
teler, on the 20th of June last, was publicly beheaded on the 31st 
ultimo b}^ the German military authorities, on the same spot where the 
murder was committed. 

According to En Hai's statement, which can not, however, be relied 
upon, he was placed in charge of a corner of the Hata street and one 
of the side streets leading toward the Tsungli Yamen, having under him 
some 30 men. At about 4 o'clock on the afternoon of the 19th of June 
he received a verbal order of a prince to shoot all foreigners passing 
along the street. The order was such an unusual one that he consid- 
ered it his duty to return to the camp and consult with his superior offi- 
cer, who confirmed the order. He stated that while he did not know the 
name of the particular prince who had issued the order, he was quite 
sure it had been issued with the knowledge of his commanding gen- 
enal, Prince Ching. He also said that the order was directed against 
foreigners in general, not against the Germans or ministers in partic- 
ular. On the morning of the 20th, when he saw the chairs of the 
minister coming up the street, he ordered his guard to load their 
pieces, and upon the near approach of the chairs fired himself, when 
the firing became general. A revolver was afterwards found in the 
chair, with one chamber empt}^. The bod}^ of the minister was dragged 
into a side alle}^ and left there until buried, a few days later. The 
clothing was not removed, nor the remains otherwise maltreated. 



1 have, etc. , 



E. H. Conger. 



Mr. Conger to Mr. Hay. 



No. 493.] Legation of the United States, 

Peking, China* January 5, 1901. 
Sm: I have the honor to confirm, on the overleaf, my telegram of 
the 1st instant, and your reply of the 3d, and to say that the impracti- 



REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 63 

cability of satisfactory negotiating here upon the question of indem- 
nities, and the consequent financial measures necessary to be taken, 
which will require various treaty amendments, becomes each day more 
apparent. 

The principle by which war expenses are to be assessed or estimated 
ought to be uniform, and can only be made so by an agreement 
between the powers incurring such expenses. * * * 

Financial measures to be adopted, and how much, if airy, foreign 
supervision shall be given, can best be discussed where the powers 
interested can be more quickly and intelligently consulted and con- 
ferred with than is possible here. 

The same is true of the treaty revisions. It is, however, very doubt- 
ful if the revisions can be made by the powers together. * * * 
I have, etc., 

E. H. Conger. 



Mr. Conger to Mr. Hay. 

No. 495.] Legation of the United States, 

Peking* China, January £, 1901. 

Sir : I have the honor to inclose herewith copy of the note in which 
the Chinese plenipotentiaries, embodying the Imperial decree, notified 
us of the acceptance of our demands, and requested that a date be fixed 
for the discussion of all questions. 

It was the unanimous opinion of all the ministers that this was an 
absolute acceptance of our demands, but since the demands were not 
set out either in the decree or the note of the plenipotentiaries, we 
decided, in order to prevent any future misunderstanding or discussion, 
to require the signatures of the Chinese plenipotentiaries to a protocol 
setting forth in detail the demands', together with their letter of accept- 
ance, after which we would be ready to discuss with them the questions 
of detail connected with the demands. This protocol was prepared in 
both French and Chinese, and a copy sent to them to be signed and 
returned to each minister. A copy of the decree of acceptance, which 
they had set out in their note, was also requested for each minister, 
duly authenticated by Imperial seal. A copy of this protocol will be 
transmitted in ni} T next dispatch. 

The protocol was not delivered to the Chinese plenipotentiaries 
until the 7th instant. In the meantime we were privately informed 
by them that * * * the Emperor had by another decree forbid- 
den them to accept the demands without certain changes were made. 
Prince Ching and Li Hung-chang have telegraphed a strong protest 
against this last decree, and are awaiting a reply. 

It will not do to abate one jot or tittle until these demands are for- 
mally and, so far as the Chinese are concerned, irrevocably accepted. 
If after that, in the discussion of details, some minor concessions are 
found necessary, they ma) T be made. 

The question of dismantling instead of razing the Taku forts may be 
taken up. It is also thought best not to touch upon the question of 
stopping militaiy excursions into the interior until the above-men- 
tioned protocol is signed. As soon, however, as it is formally signed 
attention will be given to this latter matter. 

I have, etc., E. H. Conger. 



64 EEPOET OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 

[Inclosure.] 
Prince Ching and Li Hung Chang to M. de Cologan. 

Peking, December 30, 1900. 

Your Excellency: On the 24th of December the foreign ministers plenipotentiary 
personally handed to us the treaty in 12 articles which, after just consultation, they 
have adopted. We, the prince and minister, submitted by telegraph to the Throne 
the complete text of the Chinese translation, and on the 28th of December we received 
the following decree, dated 27th of December: 

"We have duly perused Prince Ching' s and Li Hung-chang's telegram, and it 
behooves us to agree to the whole of the 12 articles." 

As in duty bound we, the prince and the minister, send this communication to your 
excellency and beg that you will in turn transmit it to your colleagues. We have 
also to request that a time and place be fixed for an interview to discuss all questions. 
We beg that you will favor us with a reply. 

The above articles having been agreed to by the Chinese Government, we would 
also further request that until evacuation by the troops takes place no further expe- 
ditions be undertaken by the troops of the powers to the departments and districts, to 
the end that the minds of the people may be pacified and relations of friendship 
strengthened. 



Mr. Conger to Mr. Hay. 
No. 506.] 

Legation of the United States, 

Peking, China , January 19, 1901. 

Sir: I have the honor to confirm my telegrams of January 12 and 
16, respectively. 

This protocol was described in my dispatch, No. 495, of the 8th 
instant. It is being printed with the minutes of the meetings of the 
plenipotentiaries, and will be transmitted as soon as it can be obtained. 

On the 16th instant each foreign minister received from the Chinese 
plenipotentiaries the protocol which we had prepared, duly signed and 
sealed; a copy of the decree accepting our demands, bearing the 
imperial seal, and a memorandum containing various suggestions and 
questions concerning our demands, by the Chinese plenipotentiaries. 
I inclose copies of translations of the decree, the memorandum, and the 
brief notes transmitting them. The foreign representatives are to 
meet on Tuesday, the 22d instant, to determine upon the replies to 
make to the inquiries and suggestions of the Chinese. The latter have 
totally misconceived the meaning of the final clause of our demands, if 
they expect the withdrawal of the troops upon the simple acceptance 
thereof. They must proceed in good faith with the execution of them. 
We ought, as soon as possible, name the persons and the punishments 
which must be inflicted, and insist upon their immediate accomplish- 
ment. We can not, of course, determine absolutely just what par- 
ticular persons the Chinese Government is able to execute, but I feel 
quite sure that the death of all of those heretofore mentioned, except 
possibly Prince Tuan, Duke Lan, and General Tung Fu-hsiang, can be 
accomplished. I am further convinced that the prompt and severe 
punishment of a very few high responsible officials will have vastly 
more effect upon the Chinese than that of hundreds of lesser criminals. 
I shall, therefore, in accordance with what I understand to be your 
instructions, endeavor to have as many as possible of the leading 
responsible officials, whose punishment may be reasonably certain to be 
within the ability of the Government, selected, and their punishment 
demanded. 



REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 65 

As to article fifth, concerning the prohibition of arms and materials 
used exclusively in the manufacture of arms and ammunition, I think 
a general reply may be made to their suggestions that the limit of the 
period for its enforcement must depend upon the ability and willing- 
ness exhibited by the Chinese in restoring and preserving order, and 
in the protection of foreigners and their interests, and can not be fixed 
at present, but the Chinese Government may be assured that the 
powers have no desire to unnecessarily continue the prohibition. 

Their requests to have named the points for military occupation 
between the capital and the sea, and the number of legation guards, 
may be replied to in the same general way, to wit, that it is not pos- 
sible to definitety fix them now, but that it will all depend upon the 
ability and action of the Chinese Government. 

Information concerning the forts to be destroyed and the size of the 
legation quarters can be furnished as soon as determined upon. The 
military commanders have been asked to furnish a report upon both 
these questions. 

The matter of reforming the Tsungli Yamen, and the changes to be 
made in court etiquette, ought to be arranged without trouble. 

The several Imperial decrees demanded should be issued at once. 
This done, and the punishments accomplished, the general forces might 
be withdrawn from Peking, and negotiations as to indemnity and con- 
sequent adoption of financial measures proceeded with. The revision 
of the treaties can wait until other matters are out of the way. 

My colleagues do not all agree with these views, but I will report 
result of conferences as they occur. 

I have, etc, E. H. Cogger. 



[Inclosure 1.] 
Prince Ching and Li Hung-chang to Mr. Conger. 

No. 207.] Peking, January 16, 1901. 

On the 7th of January we had the honor to receive a communication from the 
doyen of the diplomatic body in which he stated that the foreign ministers charged 
him to acknowledge receipt of our communication of the 30th December, containing 
the decree by which His Imperial Majesty accepts in their entirety the twelve 
articles of the note which was delivered to us on the 24th of the same month; that 
the foreign plenipotentiaries take note of this acceptance and direct him to send to 
us the protocol herewith, in order that it may be signed by us. 

In reply we beg to state that we have duly signed and sealed the protocol, and now 
return a copy for your excellency's keeping. 



[Inclosure 2.] 
Prince Ching and Li Hung-chang to Mr. Conger. 

No. 208.] Peking, January 16, 1901. 

Your Excellency: On the 7th of January we had the honor to receive a com- 
munication (from the doyen) in w T hich we are requested to send to each legation an 
authentic copy of the decree bearing the imperial seal. In this matter the Imperial 
act will have received its due formality, etc. 

We at the time memorialized the Emperor by telegraph for His Majesty's infor- 
mation. We have now the honor to send your excellency a copy of the decree issued 
on the 27th of December, 1900, which was duly sealed with the Imperial seal on the 
14th instant, for your keeping. We may explain to your excellency that the seal 

S. Doc. 67 5 



66 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 

used on the imperial mandate issued to us some time ago was the Chih Ming Chih 
Pao, the seal employed to stamp decrees issued to Chinese Government officers. The 
imperial seal used on the decree in the present instance is the Emperor's seal, the 
one employed to stamp announcements made to friendly powers. 



[Subinclosure.] 

Translation of Imperial decree. 

On the 27th of December, 1900, the following decree was issued: 
"We have duly perused Prince Ching's and Li Hung-chang's telegram, and it 
behooves us to agree to the whole of the twelve articles." 
[Seal of the Emperor.] 
Kuang Hsu, 26th year, 11th month, 24th day {January 14, 1901). 



[Inclosure 3.] 
Prince Ching and Li Hung-chang to Mr. Conger. 

No. 209.] Peking, January 16, 1901. 

Your Excellency: On the 7th of January we had the honor to receive from his 
excellency Mr. de Cologan, doyen of the diplomatic body, a communication in which 
he says that as soon as the foreign plenipotentiaries shall have received the decree, 
duly sealed with the imperial seal, and the protocol with our signatures they will 
hasten to indicate the earliest possible date for the meeting which we have requested. 
Further, they will be gratified if we will before that meeting make known in writing 
the questions which we desire to propound, in order that an understanding as to the 
replies to be made can be agreed upon, etc. 

In reply, we would beg to observe that we already, in obedience to the imperial 
decree, signed the protocol, which we transmitted to your excellency under a sepa- 
rate cover. 

We now have the honor to inclose a paper embodying the questions in detail 
which we propose to submit, which we beg you will make note of, and to say that 
we hope that an early date will be fixed for the commencement of negotiations, so 
that they may be discussed verbally. 

[Subinclosure.] 

Memorandum regarding the Joint Note. 

On the 24th of December, 1900, we received and perused the treaty, in twelve 
articles, drawn up, after joint consultation, by the foreign ministers plenipotentiary. 
This document affords ample evidence of a genuine feeling of friendliness on the 
part of the powers toward China. 

Each article therein contained was by us telegraphed to the Emperor, and his maj- 
esty thereupon issued a decree by telegraph, stating that it behooved him to accept 
in their entirety the principles laid down in the twelve articles submitted. 

Later on, on the 7th of January, we received a protocol from each of the foreign 
ministers, together with a communication from Monsieur de Cologan, requesting that 
prior to the next conference we put forward in writing the points which we might 
wish to discuss, so that the plenipotentiaries could arrive at an understanding with 
regard to the answer to be made to us on the occasion of our meeting. 

We accordingly, in compliance with the terms of the original Imperial mandate, 
have appended to the protocol transmitted to us our signatures and signs manual, and 
returned the same. 

As China has complied with and signed the treaty presented by the foreign repre- 
sentatives, to the satisfaction of .the powers, the forces at present in occupation of 
Peking and the province of Chihli should, in accordance with the terms of the final 
clause, of course, be withdrawn. It is of essential importance that, pending their 
withdrawal, hostile operations should cease, movements of troops be suspended, and 
no further military expeditions proceed into the different department and district 
cities and towns, harrying the country, and exciting alarm among the populace. 



REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 67 

In the annexed memorandum we set forth the points we wish to disscuss, going 
minutely into the details of each paragraph. 

Article I. The case of the German minister, Baron von Ketteler, action as therein 
laid down will be taken. 

Art. 2. The Imperial decree of September 25, 1900, herein cited, already provides 
for the punishment of the princes and other high officials concerned. As, however, 
the note still pressed for severer punishment, it is, of course, our duty to address to 
the Throne a request that they be punished with additional severity — the punish- 
ment, as stated in the article, to be "in proportion to their crimes." The article 
further calls for a suspension of all official examinations for five years in all the cities 
and towns where foreigners have been massacred or have been subjected to cruel 
treatment. With regard hereto we would observe that the cities and towns in each 
prefecture, subprefecture, department, and district are very numerous. It will be 
necessary to ascertain in what cities and towns foreigners have been massacred or 
subjected to cruel treatment, when, of course, action as laid down will be taken. This 
provision evidently applies to the Sui and Ko examinations. (Annual examinations 
for students — hsiu-tsai's or licentiates — held in the various prefectural and district 
towns by the literary chancellor of the province. ) As regards the provincial and 
metropolitan examination, these are collective examinations for each province. 
Should there be in a province cities or towns where foreigners have been massacred 
or subjected to cruel treatment, separate inquiry as above mentioned ought to be 
made and action taken accordingly. In other cities and towns not in any way impli- 
cated examinations ought to take place as usual. Such course of procedure will serve 
us as an exhortation and warning. 

Art. 3. In the case of Mr. Sugiyama, chancellor of the Japanese legation, action 
as therein laid down will be taken. 

Art. 4. Monuments re the graves of missionaries. Action as laid down will be 
taken. 

Art. 5. Maintenance, under conditions to be settled between the powers, of the 
prohibition of the importation of arms, as well as of material used exclusively for 
the manufacturing of arms and ammunition. We would point out that in the inte- 
rior of China local banditti are to be found everywhere, and, what is more, they 
carry firearms and weapons of a similar nature, mostly clandestinely imported from 
abroad. Unless the Chinese soldiers told off to hold them in check are armed with 
efficient weapons, it would be difficult to maintain order; and should these banditti 
create disturbances and make trouble, traders and others, Chinese or foreign, can 
hardly avoid being injured thereby. We would accordingly request that some fixed 
term of years be agreed, upon the expiry of which purchases as heretofore would be 
allowed. Material for the manufacture of the munitions of war consist of many 
different kinds, and as far as those which are indispensable for governmental use 
are concerned, the Tsungli Yamen ought, on giving notice in writing, to be per- 
mitted to purchase the same as occasion requires. 

Art. 6. China shall adopt financial measures acceptable to the powers for the 
purpose of guaranteeing payment of the indemnities. 

In assessing the indemnities China's resources must, in our opinion, be taken into 
account, and a broad and comprehensive grasp of the entire situation is imperative. 
Either some extended limit of time must be granted within which to make payment, 
or, after a careful review of the circumstances of the case, a reduction of the amount 
demanded must be taken into consideration. China's annual receipts and expendi- 
tures are well known to the powers, and the present indemnities constitute an extra- 
ordinary addition to her other liabilities. We therefore venture to express the hope 
that the neighboring nations will, with one accord, give their consent to the adoption 
of any measures which China may bring forward with a view to creating additional 
revenue, such as an increasing of the customs tariff, a raising of the mining duties, 
an universal postal system, the introduction of a stamp duty, all already in universal 
operation throughout other countries. 

Art. 7. Maintenance by each power of a legation guard and the defense of the 
legation quarter in which Chinese shall not have the right to reside. As far as the 
guards are concerned we would earnestly beg that a fixed number be decided upon 
and minute regulations for keeping them under control be drawn up, so that they 
may not stir up trouble outside of their own lines. As regards the legation quarter, 
where does it commence and where does it end? Such yamens and public offices as 
are therein situated ought to be left as they are. A boundary line should be laid 
down so that notice to remove can be served to Chinese inhabitants of the proposed 
quarter. 

Art. 8. Unimpeded communication between Peking and the sea. Investigation 
as to what forts impede such free communication ought to be made, and a decision as 
to ordering their demolition be arrived at. 



68 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 

Art. 9. Military occupation of certain points to be determined by an understand- 
ing between the powers for keeping open communication between the capital and 
the sea. 

A preliminary consultation between the powers as to how many men of each 
nation are to be employed for the purpose, what the total number is to be, and what 
separate points are to be occupied, should take place, and the result be communi- 
cated to us. Further, the powers should draw up regulations for keeping the troops 
under control, so that no cause for alarm be afforded to the inhabitants in the 
country round about. Such troops shall be sent solely for the protection of foreign 
officials and merchants; they will have nothing whatever to do with Chinese territory 
or Chinese travelers. 

The Chinese Government will continue to take every precaution to insure the pro- 
tection of foreigners, and on no account furnish them with cause to apprehend a 
severing of communications between the capital and the sea. If, after the lapse of a 
year or so, and a review of the circumstances of the case, the powers shall have 
found that China's protection has proved effectual, the question of withdrawing the 
foreign troops of occupation might be taken into consideration. 

Art. 10. The responsibility on the part of all provincial officials, civil and military, 
high and low, of affording protection to foreigners, in their respective jurisdictions, 
and their permanent removal from office in the event of their not immediately sup- 
pressing any antiforeign disturbances which may break out, or their failing to punish 
the guilty. The territorial authorities of China, as a matter of fact, have on 
repeated occasions had their, responsibility as regards the protection of foreigners 
impressed upon them by imperial decrees. Should, therefore, hereafter any disturb- 
ances break out resulting in loss of foreign life, or in bodily injury to foreigners, 
those concerned must, of course, be severely dealt with in accordance with law. 
The recent troubles, however, are of a truth to be ascribed to lack of friendly feel- 
ing between Christians and non-Christians. While on the one hand these troubles 
afford ground for indicting past action, they on the other hand furnish a warning 
for the future, and emphasize the necessity of framing a policy whereby permanent 
mutual harmony between the two classes may be insured. In order to avoid the 
continual occurrence of cases arising out of religious differences, which render life 
to the people unbearable, and result in a never-ending list of impeachments as 
far as the officials are concerned, a special article should, after joint consultation, be 
drafted, embodying detailed rules conceived in a spirit of equity. 

Art. 11. The Chinese Government will undertake to negotiate the amendments to 
the treaties of commerce and navigation considered useful by the powers, and upon 
other subjects connected with commercial relations. 

Any amendments which the powers may consider useful are naturally put forward 
with a view to promoting their own interests and those of China in equal measure. 
To propose such as would curtail China's privileges, injuriously affect the means of 
livelihood of the traders, or decrease her customs revenue, would certainly not be 
the desire of the powers. China must naturally, therefore, undertake to regulate any 
amendments with respect to commercial or any other matters which will tend to 
secure mutual advantages. 

Art. 12. Whatever modification of court ceremonial relative to the reception on 
the part of His Majesty the Emperor of China, of the foreign representatives, the 
powers may deem necessary, they should bring them up when the time comes, and 
then, after mutual discussion, arrive at a decision. 

The above is merely a discussion of the purport of the note handed to us by the 
foreign representatives, in which discussion we have incorporated a detailed expres- 
sion of our views. Nothing has been added to the note, nor altered therein. Should 
no objection be offered to this statement of our views, after it shall have been jointly 
considered by the foreign representatives, it should be appended to the original text 
of the note, and together the result form the basis of the treaty to be negotiated 
hereafter. 

With reference to the last paragraph of the note, on the subject of the withdrawal 
of the forces in occupation of Peking and the province of Chihli, we would request that 
as speedily as possible the question of complete evacuation on the part of the troops 
stationed in Peking, Paoting, Tientsin, and Tung Chou will be taken into consider- 
ation, and a date fixed upon for carrying out the same. This does not apply to the 
legation guards at Peking, nor to such posts as it may be deemed necessary to estab- 
lish between the capital and the sea to maintain free communications. 

The palace precincts, city walls, public offices, storehouses, and granaries in Peking, 
Tientsin, Paoting, and other places at present held by them, should likewise all be 
handed back to the Chinese Government. 

The friendly feeling toward China which animates the foreign representatives 
gives us an assurance that they will accede to this request, and take steps to have it 
complied with. 



REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 69 

Mr. Conger to Mr. Hay. 

No. 511.] Legation of the United States, 

Peking, China, January '26, 1901. 

Sir: I have the honor to report that on the 22d instant the foreign 
ministers met and agreed upon the reply to be made to the " memoran- 
dum" of the Chinese plenipotentiaries, which was transmitted to them 
on the 21th instant. I inclose copy and translation. We followed the 
lines suggested in my dispatch No. 506, and I believe that to hold 
these matters undetermined will afford us a very effective weapon with 
which to induce the Chinese Government to make an early compliance 
with our demands, and to impel them to such action as will facilitate a 
favorable termination of negotiations. 

The question of punishment was taken up at this meeting and con- 
tinued on the 21th, but early in the latter meeting the sad news of the 
death of the Queen of England was received, and the meeting 
adjourned. 

The British minister informed us on the 22d instant that his Gov- 
ernment had instructed him to insist upon the death penalty for all 
persons mentioned in the decree of September 25, 1900, and for Gen- 
eral Tung Fu-hsiang and Governor Yu Hsien. The names of Prince 
I, Tsai Lien, and Tsai Ying were mentioned in the decree, but none of 
us have ^uy information concerning them, and therefore it was not 
deemed wise to demand any additional punishment for them. Prince 
I is already reported dead. The Russian, Japanese, and Belgian min- 
isters and I believe it impossible at present to secure the death penalty 
for Prince Tuan, Duke Lan, or Tung Fu-hsiang, and therefore 
opposed making such demands. It is to be hoped that the British 
minister's instructions may be modified so that we may very soon 
unanimously agree upon the persons and punishments to be demanded. 
In connection with the punishments it has been decided to demand 
some sort of posthumous honors for the four proforeign members of 
the Tsungli Yamen, Hsu Ching-cheng, Hsu Yung-i, Lien Yuan, and 
Yuan Chang, and Li Shan, President of the Board of Revenue and 
Comptroller of the Imperial Household, who were summarily executed 
a short time before the arrival of the relief expedition. I tried to get 
Chang Yin-huan's name included in this list. 

I have, etc. E. ft. Conger. 



[Inclosure. — Translation.] 
M. de Cologan to the Chinese Plenipotentiaries. 

Peking, January 24, 1901. 

Your Highness and Your Excellency: In acknowledgment of your dispatch of 
January 16, together with protocol signed by you, and the Imperial decree of the 
27th of December, ultimo, under the seal of His Majesty, the foreign representatives 
have directed me to address to you the following communication: 

It is stipulated in the note to which your highness and your excellency have affixed 
your signatures, and the clauses of which have been accepted as a whole by His 
Majesty the Emperor, that "Until the Chinese Government have complied with the 
above to the satisfaction of the powers, the undersigned can hold out no expectation 
that the occupation of Peking and the province of Chihii by the general forces can 
be brought to a conclusion." Your highness and your excellency seem to be of the 
opinion that, in signing the note and transmitting the Imperial decree, you have con- 
formed sufficiently to the conditions which have been imposed, and that you are 
now in position to formulate several desiderata. Such is not the scope of the con- 
ditions which have been sent to you. 



70 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 

In order that the foreign representatives may hold that the Chinese Government 
has conformed, to the satisfaction of the powers, to the conditions imposed, acts are 
necessary, not mere formal acceptance. With this in view the foreign representa- 
tives beg to call your special attention to articles 2 and 10, respectively, which con- 
cern the punishment of the guilty, the publication and posting of edicts intended to 
repress and prevent disturbances against foreigners. You will very shortly be 
requested, in pursuance of the desire which you have yourselves expressed, to attend 
a meeting at which the demands of the Governments on these points will be clearly 
denned. 

As to the wishes expressed by your highness and your excellency with reference 
to the military questions, the disposition of the foreign representatives to consider 
them will depend on the good will which the Chinese Government will manifest by 
their acts, its resolution to comply with the conditions which have been agreed to by 
His Majesty the Emperor. 

I avail myself, etc., B. J. de Cologax. 



Mr. Conger to Mr. Hay. 

No. 520.] Legation of the United States, 

Peking, China, February 5, 1901. 

Sir: I have the honor to confirm your telegraphic instructions of 
the 29th ultimo, concerning indemnities. We have not reached this 
subject yet in our meetings, and in private conversations most of the 
ministers claim not to have received instructions. The German 
minister informs me that he thinks that his Government will not be 
willing to agree to a lump sum, nor will it agree to any scaling down 
of its claim. He says they have already expended about 115,000,000, 
and the amount is rapidly increasing. It is believed here (and the 
belief is shared by Sir Robert Hart, the Inspector-General of Custom) 
that China can pay from $250,000,000 to $300,000,000. But unless 
the settlement is made soon, or an agreement is made to scale down 
the claims, even this amount will be grossly insufficient. 

The outlook, therefore, for a speedy settlement of the question of 
indemnities is not very favorable. It will be taken up as soon as the 
question of punishments is out of the way. 

In connection with the subject of indemnities and in trying to devise 
every possible means of increasing the revenue, it is proposed to 
increase the custom duties. The import duties are now nominally 5 
per cent ad valorem, but in fact are only about 3i per cent. It is con- 
ceded by most of the foreign merchants that this tax might safely be 
doubled; but just what increase of revenue that would produce can not 
be definite^ told. Some of ury colleagues are in favor of arranging 
for this increase at once — i. e., with the settlement of indemnities; 
others think it should be taken up only with the subject of treaty 
revision, the latter claiming that if import duties were increased now 
for the special purpose of raising revenue to pay indemnities to for- 
eigners, the Chinese generally would say and believe that we were 
paying our own indemnities to ourselves. 

I should like to receive special instructions upon this question, if it 
has not been settled by telegraph before the receipt of this dispatch. 

The question of the opium, salt, likin, and other taxes, as well as 
that of cutting off the rice tribute and enormous gratuities paid to the 
Manchus, and other means of increasing revenue, will all have to be 
taken into account and disposed of as best we can agree upon them. 
I have, etc., 

E. H. Conger. 



REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 71 



Mr. Conger to Mr. Hay. 

No. 527.] Legation of the United States, 

Peking, China, February 7, 1901. 

Sir: I have the honor to say that a meeting of the foreign repre- 
sentatives with the Chinese plenipotentiaries was held on the 5th 
instant to give the latter an opportunity to be heard on the question 
of punishments, as set forth in our demands. 

In order that all might agree to what should be said a brief indict- 
ment in each case was prepared for the doyen to read, copy of which 
1 inclose. As the meeting was only intended for a verbal conference 
a copy of the indictment was not delivered to the Chinese plenipo- 
tentiaries. 

They said it would be impossible to execute Prince Tuan or Duke 
Lan, but they would agree to their banishment for life to Turkestan. 
They said Prince Chuang would be ordered to commit suicide; that 
Yu Hsien would be executed; that General Tung Fu-hsiang had already 
been degraded, and that when it could be accomplished he would be 
more severely punished; that he is very popular in Kansu, and that 
any attempt to deal harshly with him would cause an uprising among 
the people, etc. * * * 

As to the others, they insisted that their crimes were not so great 
or so well proven as those mentioned above, and hence some lighter 
punishment should be inflicted. Reply was made that even the least 
of the criminals deserved death, and, as that was the severest punish- 
ment which could be inflicted, the death penalty was demanded for 
all. They averred that it would be most difficult for the court to 
comply with our demands, and it was placing them in a most trying 
position, and begged the ministers not to create unnecessary difficul- 
ties for them. They did not hesitate to fix the main responsibility 
for the crimes committed on the same persons that we had named, 
nor try to shield the Chinese Government from its responsibility. 

We had added the names of Chi Hsiu, a member of the Tsung-li 
Yamen and President of the Board of Rites, and Hsu Cheng-yu, for- 
merly junior Vice-President of the Censorate, for reasons set forth in 
the indictment. These two men are now held in confinement by the 
Japanese forces in this city. 

Much desultory conversation was indulged in between the Chinese 
plenipotentiaries and some of the ministers, but of little importance 
and without utilit} 7 . We all had the impression, however, that so far 
as possible our demands would be complied with. 

In the afternoon of the same day the foreign ministers met, and, 
after much discussion and with the general opinion that we should not 
give way further to the Chinese, finally unanimously agreed upon the 
persons and punishment set forth in the note herewith inclosed and 
wmich was sent to the Chinese plenipotentiaries. 

The English minister, and the German and some others following, 
has been insisting upon demanding the death penalty for Prince Tuan 
and Duke Lan, but finally he consented that if in any way capital sen- 
tence could be recorded against these men, even if immediately com- 
muted, he would agree to it. A Chinese formula was found which 
seemed to fit the case and which, it was believed, would be accepted 



72 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 

by the Court. Demand was made in accordance therewith. It was 
as follows, as will be seen by the note inclosed: 

Prince Tuan and Duke Lan are sentenced to imprisonment awaiting decapitation, 
but if immediately after this sentence the Emperor desires as an act of grace to pre- 
serve their lives, they will be sent to Turkestan, to be there imprisoned for life, with 
no further commutation of punishment ever to be made in their favor. 

For the present we accept the Imperial promise as to Tung Fu-hsiang. 
Prince Chuang's suicide will be accepted. For Ying Nien, Chao 
Shu-chiao, Yu Hsien, Chi Hsiu, and Hsu Chengdu the death penalty 
is demanded, and for Kang Yi, Li Ping-heng, and Hsu Tung, who are 
alread} T dead, posthumous punishments. For the four members of 
the Tsung-li Yamen, Yuan Chang, Hsii Yung-i, Hsii Ching-cheng, and 
Lien Yuan, and Li Shan, formerly President of the Board of Revenue 
and Comptroller of Imperial Household, who were beheaded last sum- 
mer because they actively opposed the criminal madness of the Gov- 
ernment in its attack upon the foreigners, we demand posthumous 
honors, as per copy of note inclosed. 

As soon as the French minister receives further information from 
the interior for which he is waiting we shall present another list of 
the provincial officials who were accomplices in or responsible for 
massacre or cruel treatment of missionaries and demand their 
punishment. 

With reference to the demand for posthumous honors mentioned 
above, and as showing how eminently the} T are deserved, I inclose a 
translation of three memorials of Yuan Chang and Hsii Ching-cheng 
urging the Government to stop its efforts to exterminate foreigners, 
punish the responsible officials, and save the Empire. For this advice 
they were beheaded. 

I have, etc., E. H. Conger. 



[Inclosure 2. — Translation.] 
M. de Cologan to the Chinese plenipotentiaries. 

Peking, February 6, 1901. 

Your Highness and Your Excellency: The foreign representatives have informed 
you of the names of the persons who are particularly responsible for the crimes com- 
mitted at Peking and the punishments which they judge proportioned to their crimes. 
They have listened to and considered the remarks you have presented upon this 
point. The object of this dispatch is to inform you of the definite resolution which 
they have taken on the subject, and without prejudice to those cases which will be 
brought to your notice later and which are in regard to those officials who have 
committed crimes in the provinces. 

Your proposition with reference to the order which will be given Prince Chuang 
to commit suicide is accepted. 

In regard to Prince Tuan and Duke Lan the foreign representatives have adopted 
the following resolution: 

''Prince Tuan and Duke Lan will be sentenced to be imprisoned awaiting their 
decapitation. If immediately after their condemnation the Emperor believes he 
ought to spare their lives, they will be transported to Turkestan in order to be impris- 
oned there for life, without any further commutation of punishment whatever being 
pronounced in their favor." 

Ying Nien will be condemned to death. If Kang Yi were living he would be con- 
demned to death. Being dead all legal consequences of such punishment will be 
decreed against him. 

Chao Shu-chiao will be condemned to death. The foreign representatives agree 
with you as to the decapitation of Yii Hsien. 

In regard to Tung Fu-hsiang the foreign representatives note the assurances which 
you have given them on the subject of the punishment to be inflicted upon him later. 



REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 73 

They express the opinion that in view of the execution of this penalty he ought to 
be deprived of his command as soon as possible. 

If Li Ping-heng and Hsu Tung were living they should be condemned to death. 
As they are dead, all legal consequences of such punishment will be decreed against 
them. 

Hsu Cheng-yu and Chi Hsiu will be condemned to death. 

The foreign representatives are of the opinion that the decrees promulgating these 
resolutions should be issued immediately. As to the executions, which should follow 
with the least possible delay, they expressly reserve to themselves the verification by 
delegates whom they will direct to be present at Peking or in the provinces. 

You will appreciate the moderation of these demands, which show to what extent 
your observations have been taken into account. For the punishment of the murder 
of a minister, of a chancelor of legation, an attack of two months directed by the 
Imperial troops against the foreign settlements, the religious missions, and the repre- 
sentatives of the powers, the premeditated attempt to ambuscade all the foreigners 
on the road from Peking to Tientsin in order to massacre them, the execution of 
those high officials who have protested against the outrageous violations of interna- 
tional law in their memorials to the Throne, the criminal acts which have resulted 
in the death of numerous victims, the punishments demanded are a trifle. 

In the name of all my colleagues I beg still further to again call your attention to the 
final clause of the note which has been delivered to you and the allusion to it in my 
dispatch which was given to you January 26, 1901. 

It is indispensable that China grant immediately these first atonements if she desires 
that the foreign representatives be in a position to examine the military questions to 
which you have called their attention in your memorandum of January 16. 
I avail myself, etc., 

B. J. DE COLOGAN. 



[Inclosure 3. — Translation.] 
M. de Cologan to the Chinese plenipotentiaries. 

Peking, February 6, 1901. 

Your Highness and Your Excellency: I have already informed you of the res- 
olutions adopted by the foreign representatives with reference to the persons more 
particularly responsible for the crimes which have been committed at Peking and the 
punishments which ought to be inflicted. 

In the note which I sent you on that subject reference is made to the high offi- 
cials of state who have been executed for having memorialized the Throne protest- 
ing against the outrageous violations of international law which have taken place in 
China during the past year. 

I have to advise you that since an act of reparation and justice can only be made 
effective by the expressed assent of the Chinese Government, the foreign representa- 
tives have decided that Hsu Yung-yi, Hsu Ching-cheng, Y'uan Chang, Lien Yuan, 
and Li Shan should be immediately restored to their former honors. You will be 
notified later on if there are any provincial officials who have been executed under 
the same conditions which were the cause of the adoption to-day of the resolutions 
which have been brought to your notice. 

The foreign representatives therefore request that you will memorialize the Throne 
for a decree restoring the names of the five high officials which I have just given you 
at the same time as the decree for the punishments demanded by my note of to-day. 



[Inclosure 4. — Translation.] 

Indictment of certain guilty officials. Read by M. de Cologan to Chinese plenipotentiaries. 

. Highness, Excellency: I am about to have the honor to make known to you the 
decisions which the foreign plenipotentiaries have reached concerning the carrying 
out of paragraph a of Article II of the note accepted by a decree of His Majesty the 
Emperor of China. 

These decisions apply to the culprits who I am about to enumerate, adding to 
the name of each one of them an abstract of the responsibilities which they have 
incurred. 



74 EEPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 

Prince Chuang has been officially commander in chief of the Boxers; has per- 
formed from the 21st of June the duties of prefect of police; has consequently the 
principal share of responsibility in the publication of the notice bearing the seal of 
the prefecture which promises rewards therein of between 30 to 50 taels to Chinese 
who shall capture foreigners alive (men, women, and children), and which punishes 
with death whoever shall protect foreigners. He has furnished their headquarters 
in- his own palace, in which native Christians have been executed. 

Prince Tuan has been the principal instigator of the Boxer movement, into which 
he has dragged the Chinese Government, persuading it that it was the best means of 
delivering China of all foreigners. He was appointed president of the tsungli yamen 
after having given this advice to the Chinese Government, and he is in particular 
responsible for the edicts which were made against foreigners between the 20th of 
June and the 10th of August, 1900. Among these decrees figures that of the 2d of 
July, the carrying out of which had for a consequence the massacres in the provinces, 
and especially in Shansi. He ordered his troops concurrently with those of General 
Tung Fu-hsiang to attack the legations. 

He always Opposed the advice given by various members of the tsungli yamen 
and by high mandarins looking to a cessation of hostilities. 

He directed the party which secured the execution of four members of the tsungli 
yamen, of a minister, and of several other mandarins accused of being favorable to 
foreigners. 

He is universally recognized as the author of the ultimatum sent on the 19th of 
June to the members of the diplomatic corps to convey to them the order to leave 
Peking in twenty -four horns. 

He is also recognized as having ordered, even before the expiration of this delay, 
the firing on every foreigner in the streets of the capital. 

He may be considered under this point of view as the principal author of the 
assassination of Baron von Ketteler. 

Duke Lan was one of the official chiefs of the Boxers, in whose name he made 
several proclamations, exercised the functions of the vice-president of police, and 
took part in that capacity in the publication of a decree promising rewards to 
Chinese who should capture foreigners alive, (men, women, and children), and which 
punished with death whoever should protect foreigners. He is also considered as 
having been one of the first to open the gates of the city to the Boxers, whom he 
went out to meet. 

Ying Nien. He was, like Chuang and Lan, one of the official chiefs of the Boxers, 
and signed in that capacity their principal notices. He as vice-president of police 
rendered himself accomplice of the criminal machinations of this administration, and 
took considerable part in the antiforeign movement. 

Kang Yi. He was one of the instigators and counselors of the Boxers, whom he 
always protected at court, and to whom he was particularly instrumental in securing 
complete liberty of action. He showed himself to be one of the officials the most 
hostile to any understanding and to the reestablish ment of peaceful relations with 
foreigners. Sent at the commencement of the month of June to meet the Boxers, 
under pretext of deterring them from entering the city, he, on the contrary, encour- 
aged them to follow up their work of destruction, and became, like Duke Lan, Prince 
Tuan, and Ying Nien, one of their official chiefs. He signed in this capacity their 
principal notices. He prepared a plan of expulsion and annihilation of foreigners in 
the provinces of the Empire. 

Chao Shu-chiao was, as member of the Grand Council and minister of justice, and 
as a result of the considerable influence which he wielded in the councils of the 
Throne, one of the leaders of the undertaking against the foreigners. He urged the 
Chinese Government to leave perfect freedom of action to the Boxers and to furnish 
them means of action. He has special responsibility for the execution of the officials 
killed during the siege for having tried to stop the attacks against the legations. 
He went at the beginning of June to meet the Boxers, to whom he promised his help, 
freely tendering them his encouragement. 

Yu Hsien brought to life again and reorganized the society of Boxers; is the author 
of the massacres in Shansi, assassinated with his own hand foreign missionaries, 
made himself noticed by his cruelty, and vaunted himself of his crimes, which 
stained with blood the whole province of which he was governor-general. 

Tung Fu-hsiang prepared with Prince Tuan and carried out at Peking the plan for 
the annihilation of the foreigners in China, commanded the attacks which his troops, 
united with the Boxers, made against the legations. His soldiers assassinated the 
chancellor of the legation of Japan. 

Li Ping-heng used his influence to have the Boxers recognized as a loyal and 
patriotic sect, and led the Government to use them with the object of exterminating 
all foreigners. 



EEPOKT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 75 

Intrusted with a special mission in the valley of the Yangtze, where he had been 
sent as an Imperial commissioner, he appears to have prepared a plan for the anni- 
hilation of foreigners in that region. 

He besieged from the 27th of July the legations with the troops which he had 
brought from Kiang-su, and later on he fought against the allied armies marching on 
Peking. 

Hsii tung has always been one of the officials the most hostile against the for- 
eigners, of whom he advised the extermination. He associated himself with all 
measures destined to attain this end. He praised the Boxers, of whom he never 
ceased to be the accomplice, and whom he supported with all his influence as a high 
personage of the Empire and tutor of the heir presumptive. 

Hsii Cheng-yu has the same responsibility as his father, in whose counsels and 
acts he constantly participated; furthermore, he is the principal author of the execu- 
tion of the officials who had endeavored to stop the attacks against the legations. 

Chi Hsiu was one of the officials the most hostile to foreigners, and used all his 
influence as member of the Tsung-li Yamen and as minister of rites in the service of 
the Boxers. He associated himself with those of his colleagues who used bloody 
reprisals against the party which disapproved the attack of the legations. 

The foreign plenipotentiaries have decided, in accordance with the terms of the 
note which they handed yo'ir highness and your excellency, that they would ask for 
all the personages whose responsibility I have briefly stated "the severest penalty 
in conformity with their crimes." 

You will understand after the explanations which have just been given you that 
these personages deserve death. 

AVhen this question shall have been settled, the foreign plenipotentiaries will have 
to indicate to your highness and your excellency the names of the officials who, to 
their knowledge, have committed crimes in the provinces, and the punishments 
which shall be inflicted on them. 

I must, furthermore, at the present stage, beg your highness and your excellency 
to please communicate to us before its publication, and to prevent all misunderstand- 
ing, the text of the edict referred to in article 10 of the collective note, and which are 
to be promulgated to prevent or repress antiforeign manifestations in the Empire. 



[Inclosure 5.] 

First memorial. Secret memorial by Yuan-ch'ang denouncing the Bo.vers, date probably 
between June 16 and 20, 1900. 

Memorialist begins by stating that since the Boxer outbreak inside the city on June 
13 daily audiences have been summoned of the advisers of the Throne, and the 
Empress Dowager, in anxiety for the welfare of the State, has addressed questions to 
them, to which this memorial is Yuan-ch'ang' s answer. 

He traces the origin of the "I-ho-ch'uan" to a society of the same name composed 
of Shantung and Honan brigands which was suppressed by Imperial orders in the 
reign of Chia-ching (1808), together with the Eight Diagrams' Society, both off- 
shoots of the White Lily Society. The governor of Shantung, Yuan Shih-k'ai, in a 
statement prepared last month in obedience to Imperial instructions, said that there 
could be no question of encouraging the Boxers or of utilizing their services as sol- 
diers. The seditious nature of this organization and the falsehood of their preten- 
sions to invulnerability is demonstrated by the Ping-yuan Hsien case in Shantung 
some years ago, where an alleged descendant of the Ming dynasty and professor of 
magic arts was executed by Yii Hsien for stirring up excitement; by the test to 
which certain Boxers near Peking were put in 1894 when they offered their services 
to the Imperial troops as invulnerable men, and by their more recent disorderly 
proceedings and insurrectionary designs. 

Memorialist refers to an audience he had of the Throne in December last, when the 
Boxers were creating disturbances in Shantung, on the pretext of their hatred of 
Christianity, on which occasion he denounced them as a heterodox and troublesome 
sect, and advocated their immediate suppression. Shortly after this Yuan Shih-k'ai 
took the matter vigorously in band and restored order in Shantung, his forcible 
action making him the object of much abuse at first on the part of the ignorant literati 
of Shantung, who afterwards came to believe in him and approved his proceedings. 
The Tsungli Yamen had proposed to memorialize the Throne for instructions to Yuan 
Shih-k'ai, but finding that he had the work of suppression well in hand, they dropped 
the matter and did not present the memorial. 



76 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 

Unfortunately, however, as Shantung became quiet, the movement spread into 
Chihli, where the supineness and procrastination of the Viceroy Yu Lu developed it 
into a great calamity. It is impossible for Yu Lu to escape a heavy responsibility for 
his want of foresight at the beginning. When Imperial officers were killed at Lai- 
shui, Yu Lu saw that the Boxers were using the anti-Christian feeling as a cloak for 
rebellious actions, and telegraphed a memorial strongly urging that they should be 
dealt with by force of arms; but opinions at court were divided and no decision was 
taken. The impunity accorded to them emboldened the Boxers, and they seized 
Cho Chou, Yungching, and Pachou in succession; they destroyed the railways and 
telegraphs which are the property of the State and worth millions of money; and 
they burned hundreds of missions and massacred the converts, rendering the Govern- 
ment liable for huge indemnities. 

As regards the accumulated feelings of hatred which exists between the converts 
and the people, the local authorities, in obedience to the laws of the realm ought, as 
a, matter of course, to be impartial in their decisions, looking only to the merits of the 
case and not making distinctions between ordinary people and converts. They should 
on no account allow ruffians to take the law into their own hands and redress their 
own grievances. As it is, these rebels have had the audacity to invade the capital, 
and there they are burning missions, attacking the legations, destroying everything 
they please, shooting people, and alarming the palace. On the 16th instant they 
destroyed by fire houses of over a thousand families outside the Ch'ien Men, burning 
and pillaging completely the most wealthy and prosperous quarter of Pekin. Nine 
out of ten families have had to quit their houses and flee; all shops are closed; there 
is no money to pay the army; and everywhere is decay and ruin; and China is a 
laughing stock to other nations. 

Memorialist next refers to the legation guards, only some 400 in number, which he 
declares were brought up for self-protection on account of genuine apprehension of 
violence from the anti-Christian Boxers. On the 12th instant the privy councillor, 
Ch'i Hsiu and other ministers of the yamen went by command of the Empress 
Dowager to convey a reassuring message to the legations and to inquire for the wives 
of the ministers. The ministers, accepting with gratitude the gracious greetings of 
the Throne, declared that the bringing up of the foreign troops was for the protection 
of their lives, and had absolutely no political bearing; and they solemnly swore that 
as soon as the trouble was over the troops would be withdrawn. Memorialist sub- 
mits that the only way to prevent reenforcements from coming up is to clear the Tar- 
tar City of Boxers, and thus restore peace to the people and confidence to the foreigners, 
China must kill these rebels herself if she does not want foreign troops to assist her 
to kill them. 

Memorialist proceeds to develop the remedy he proposes. The present failure to 
deal with the situation is due to a want of concentration in the command and the 
shirking of responsibility from one authority to another. He begs that the Grand 
Secretary Jung Lu may be invested with full discretionary powers to restore order. 
Proclamations should be issued that all rioters wearing red sashes and turbans, or 
carrying weapons, setting fire to houses, or killing people may be put to death if 
they offer resistance. Heavy rewards should be offered for the capture of Boxer 
chiefs or others, dead or alive. Jung Lu should direct operations from a central 
position and should have officers appointed to carry out his orders in detail. For 
this purpose memorialist recommends: 

Fan Tseng-hsiang, Kuei-Ch'un, Wang T'ing-hsiang, Huang Kwei-chun, and Ch'en 
K'uei-lun, acting governor of Peking, all of whom he speaks in high terms. 

Selected officers and soldiers from the Wu-wei army should be divided into com- 
panies of 200 or 300 each for the work of restoring order. The three south gates of 
the Tartar City should be closed to incomers and the streets and temples cleared of 
Boxers. Intelligent officers should be selected by the gendarmerie and the board 
of punishments to take evidence shortly in cases of arrests, whereupon ringleaders 
should be executed upon the spot and followers deported. When order is restored 
Jung Lu should send in a memorial reporting the number of Boxers put to death. 

Dealing with the objection that the Boxers are too numerous to be exterminated, 
memorialist remarks that if only the leaders are caught and decapitated the courage 
of their followers will immediately evaporate. He ridicules their alleged possession 
of magic arts and invulnerability, referring to rebels with similar pretensions in the 
Han and Mongol dynasties who were eventually beheaded; also to the number of 
Boxers killed by the foreign soldiers on the evening of the 13th, and to the 40 
Boxers killed in the Shuai-fu lane. (Allusion is to the joint British- American and 
Japanese raid on a Boxer temple on June 16.) 

In conclusion memorialist again lays stress upon the absolute necessity of drastic 
measures in dealing with the Boxers. The power of foreign nations is great, their 



REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 77 

resentment will be deep, and the vengeance they will exact will bring about an 
inexpressible calamity. Unless China takes the work of extermination in hand 
herself foreign troops will do it for her, which would lead to a great bloodshed in 
the capital, and eventually to the indiscriminate slaughter of good citizens and irre- 
mediable ruin. The Grand Secretary Jung Lu is a loyal and patriotic statesman, 
and if Le is invested with the requisite authority he will soon succeed in solving the 
present difficulties in international relations. 



Second joint memorial of Hsu Ching-ch'eng and Yuan Ch'ang. 

Memoralists venture to submit for the perusal of the Throne the following secret 
memorial setting forth without reserve their humble views on the present dissensions 
at home, aggressions from abroad, and daily increasing anarchy, and urging the policy 
of protecting the legations as the only means of preserving the Commonwealth. 

Ever since the 24th of last moon (June 20), the day when the German minister, 
von Ketteler, was shot by Boxers who met him on the street, these brigands have 
been attacking the foreign legations. The Kansu army, under the command of Gen- 
eral Tung Fu-hsiang, has lent the Boxers its support and has joined forces with them 
in a conspiracy of outrage. Innumerable inhabitants of the district round the lega- 
tions have been involved in disaster on account of their proximity to the latter, and 
in the East City the private houses of officers have been plundered and almost entirely 
destroyed. Thus these brigands, as they made their hatred of Christianity a pretext 
for extending their depredations to the legations, so they have now made their attacks 
on the legations a basis for extending them to officials and people. It is certainly an 
unparalleled event in ancient or in modern times that a riotous army and a riotous 
mob should be let loose to wanton in the very capital of the country. 

At the time when the brigands began their attacks on the legations everyone said 
that the latter would be razed to the ground in a day, and Tung Fu-hsiang several 
times reported that the legations had been totally destroyed. Now, after more than 
twenty days, only a paltry few of the foreign soldiers have been killed, while the 
bones and corpses of the brigands are lying scattered all along Legation street. They 
used to beguile people with incantations, boasting of magic arts which secured them 
against rifle and artillery fire. Where are these arts now? Several tens of thousand 
brigands have been attacking legations defended by about 400 foreign soldiers, and 
after over twenty days have not succeeded in breaking in. This is an exhibition of their 
skill forsooth. Are we now to rely on their valor as men of mere flesh and blood to 
secure protection against aggression? 

But it may be said that the true I-ho-ch'uan (Boxers) are really able to render good 
service to their country, whereas the Boxers who quarrel, burn, and kill are all false 
Boxers who have joined the former. Then, since the union of the true and false 
members of this organization has resulted in such extreme disorder, and since the 
false members who have been allowed to join have committed every kind of outrage, 
it is evident that the true Boxers themselves are essentially a bad community. 

Moreover, successive Imperial decrees have been issued strictly forbidding the 
prosecution of feuds by armed violence, arson, destruction, and pillage; and orders 
have been given to disperse the Boxers and expel them from the city. But these 
brigands treat such commands as idle words and continue to riot at their pleasure as 
before. True and false alike show contempt for the laws of their sovereign; all are 
senseless beasts, and their crime is unpardonable. The more they are conciliated 
the more numerous they become; the more influence is shown them, the greater 
grows their arrogance. 

Memorialists requested in a former memorial that the Grand Secretary Jung Lu 
should be especially intrusted with the duty of employing methods of violence or of 
moral suasion as required, but their request was not granted. Now, however, that 
the disorders have reached so critical a pitch, they are bound at the risk of their 
lives again to set forth in trembling their humble opinions for the information of the 
Throne. They submit that according to the principles laid down in the "Spring 
and Autumn Annals" (Confucius), when two nations are at war, the envoy is not 
killed. By the international law of western powers a still greater importance 
attaches to envoys as the representatives of their nations. A slight to the envoy is 
a slight to his nation. If the Boxers are now allowed to attack and destroy the 
legations, and to succeed in killing the foreign ministers, the foreign powers will 
regard it as a gross insult, will unite their forces, and will fight to the death to obtain 
reparation. Though the number of foreign troops in Peking is limited, there is no 



78 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 

limit to the .number of reenforcements that can be sent. For one nation to oppose 
all the nations is in the humble opinion of memoralists a matter not merely of victory 
or defeat, but of the existence or annihilation of the nation. 

The Government of China has now been in relations with foreign powers for nearly 
sixty years, during which time the latter have been allowed to propagate their 
religions throughout the country. The converts have been in the habit of relying 
on the influence and support of the foreign missionaries to oppress their fellow-citi- 
zens, and it has been inevitable that there should be some officials who have put 
pressure on the ordinary people in the hope of avoiding trouble, with the result that 
the people in their resentment have become at enmity with the converts. But all 
this is due to faulty administration on the part of memorialists and other servants of 
the Crown, faults which have led to the present disaster. The guilt they have 
incurred is indeed serious. How can memorialists venture to allege that the enmity 
between Christians and non-Christians is entirely the fault of the people? To allow 
both sides to take into their own hands the redressal of their grievances is to impair 
the prerogatives of the State. Suppose, for instance, that in a village there was a 
quarrel between two families, and the juniors and servants in fighting out their dis- 
pute set fire to a neighbor's house and killed his gatekeeper, the heads of the families 
being unable to restrain them. In such a case the neighbor would certainly not 
address his compliments to the juniors and servants, but to the heads of the families. 
How could the latter reply that the matter did not concern them because the juniors 
and servants were beyond their control? This is taking a small matter to illustrate 
a great, but the principle involved in both is the same. 

Another consideration is this: Among the religious systems of the Western nations 
one consists in the worship of "the Lord of Heaven" (Roman Catholicism) and one 
in the worship of "Jesus" (Protestantism). The Roman Catholic missionaries are 
called shen-fu (spiritual fathers) and the Protestant missionaries are called mu-shih 
(pastors). The Boxers make no distinctions between the religions, but call them 
both alike "the foreign religions." Again, Russia follows the religion of the Greek 
Church and Japan follows Buddhism. Neither of these nations has ever propa- 
gated their religions in the interior of China, but the Boxers are entirely ignorant 
as to which nation has missionaries and which has not, and speak of all who wear 
strange clothes and speak a strange language as mao-tzu ( ' 'red-heads' ' ) . They take 
pleasure in hunting them all down without discrimination, no matter what consider- 
ations of policy make it inexpedient, what considerations of right and wrong make 
it unlawful. 

Consider, moreover, the position of the Chinese ministers abroad. They are all 
stationed at their posts in pursuance of Imperial commands. If the powers in uncon- 
trollable anger on account of our killing their ministers were to begin killing our 
ministers m revenge, this would be nothing better than an exchange of swords for 
the slaughter of each other's representatives. 

The Throne has just displayed its kindly feelings by sending vegetables, rice, and 
flour to the envoys. But the aforesaid brigands, relying on the support of their 
braggart general, continue their lawless attacks, and foreigners are led to suspect that 
the court is making a show of treating the legations with civility, while secretly 
screening their assailants. If it is said that the latter are not acting under orders, 
but are indulging in an orgy of cruelty of their own account, who will believe this? 

Now, if the legations do not come to harm, when friendly relations are eventually 
resumed with the powers, the foreign ministers, having accepted the gracious kind- 
ness of the Empress Dowager and the Emperor, will not fail to give expression to 
their natural feelings of gratitude, and will explain that the trouble was suddenly 
started by the Boxer brigands before precautions could be taken, and was not due to 
any leniency on the part of the Throne. In this way they will be able to succeed in 
dispelling the suspicious fears of their governments; the difficulty being halved, the 
good results will be doubled, and it will be comparatively easy to restore the situation. 

But if the legations fall and the envoys are killed, how will the outer world ever 
learn of the kindness and consideration displayed at this time by their Majesties the 
Empress Dowager and the Emperor? If we seek to explain matters ourselves to the 
powers, though we should speak with a hundred voices we should not succeed in 
excusing ourselves to their satisfaction. 

At the present time the powers are massing their troops on the pretext of acting 
for China in the suppression of the brigands. The suspicious say that they are sur- 
reptitiously taking advantage of this opportunity to aim at usurpation, while those 
who believe them declare that they have no ulterior motives. Memorialists do not 
profess to have sufficient ability to fathom their intentions. But as for the Boxers, 
they are a lawless crew in every respect. They ought long ago to have been extermi- 
nated without waiting for the repeated requests of the foreigners, and still more with- 
out waiting for the foreigners to suppress them for us. 



REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 79 

The humble requests of memorialists then are as follows: 

Complete protection should be afforded to the foreign legations in order to facilitate 
the future restoration of the status quo ante. 

Also, stringent commands should be given to General Tung Fu-hsiang to withdraw 
the whole of his Kansu army outside the city, and to forbid his troops again approach- 
ing Legation street, or joining with their friends, the brigands, in attacks upon the 
legations, on pain of immediate execution. If once the soldiers and the brigands 
were separated, the power of the latter would be reduced and the task of suppress- 
ing .them rendered comparatively easy. 

Also, memorialists have again to beg that Grand Secretary Jung Lu be intrusted 
with the task of expelling all Boxers from the city within a prescribed limit of time 
in order to rescue the country from an imminent peril, and that he should adopt 
measures for their complete extermination in order to prevent future calamities. 

Memorialists are well aware that, the heavens being now darkened by a flight of 
locusts, disaster to themselves will follow their words; but they are rilled with the 
thought of the crisis of life or death to the nation which is momentarily impending. 
Their own opinions are simple and insignificant. They can not bear to speak, and 
yet they can not bear not to speak. They therefore, regardless of their own lives, 
humbly submit this memorial for the perusal of their Majesties the Empress Dowager 
and the Emperor. (Undated. Evidently written between July 20 and 24, 1900.) 






Third memorial by Hsu Ching-ch'eng and Yuan Ch'ang. 

Memorial submitting to the Throne a secret statement of how certain high officials, 
by encouraging magic arts, have injured the country and brought calamity upon the 
people, and requesting that severe punishment may be inflicted upon the instigators 
of the trouble, in order to check the evil at its source and avert an impending peril. 

It is now just over one month since the Boxer brigands started the disturbances. 
The capital is shaken by earthquake and the four seas echo to the shock. Armies 
have collected; disaster is ripening; the whole world has been dragged into the strife; 
events of a nature unparalleled in history have inevitably brought about a calamity 
equally without parallel. 

In the reign of Hsien Feng (1851-1862) the Fa Fei (long-haired rebels) and the 
Nien Fei (mounted banditti in the north) fought desperately for over ten years and 
overran more than 10 provinces. Still longer ago, in the reign of Chia-Ch'ing (1796- 
1821), the Chiao Fei (White Lily Society) seized three or four provinces and usurped 
control for three or four years, and reference to the military archives shows that at 
the time all the military forces of the Empire had to be exerted to the utmost before 
conquest could be effected. 

But if we compare the troubles of the present day we see that all the former ones 
were diseases of the extremities, and not like the Boxer brigands, a disease that saps 
the very vitals. For in the case of the Fa Fei, the Xien Fei, and the Chiao Fei, 
everyone, from the Throne to the hamlet, knew that they were rebels; but in the 
case of the Ch'uan Fei (Boxers) of to-day, even high officials are deceived into look- 
ing upon them as patriotic subjects and refuse to call them rebels; or there are some 
who know they are rebels, but dare not treat them as rebels. Their folly is such 
that they have excited not only the enmity, but the derision of foreign nations. 

When the Boxer brigands first set up their standard they had not the resources of 
guns and rifles, or of training in military operations. All they could do was to use 
the motto to " Support the dynasty; exterminate foreigners," as a rallying cry for 
hordes of worthless vagabonds, and to set disturbances on foot, Had there been a 
single magistrate or military officer of ability available, they might have been sup- 
pressed with the utmost ease. But first the evil was fostered by Yii Hsien, ex-gov- 
ernor of Shantung, and afterwards it was encouraged by Yu Lu, governor-general of 
Chihli, who supplied the Boxers with arms, thus as it were giving wings to a tiger. 

What is the explanation of the motto "Support the dynasty; exterminate for- 
eigners?" If it means that men's minds are imbued with a sense of the abundant 
favors that have been showered upon them by -our Government for over two hun- 
dred years, and that therefore all who eat the produce or tread the soil of China are 
bent on exerting their energies and making speed to show their gratitude for the 
Imperial blessing, then the expression may pass. But if it means that at this junc- 
ture, when the state is troubled, when the times are critical and full of difficulties, 
the uncultured masses have the power to give support in danger and to restore order, 
then we must remember that to support is the opposite of to upset, and that the 
power to support involves the power to upset. Thus the intention implied is only 
too evident, and the expression of it still more deserves the punishment of death. 



80 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 



. 



Your memorialists, unworthy servants though they are, are well aware that the 
intrusion of foreigners into the interior is certainly not for the benefit of China. But 
it behooves us to reform the internal administration of the country and to attend to 
the consolidation of external relations; to see that we have a cause of quarrel before 
taking action; and to choose among the nations one which it is within our power to 
oppose, when at one stroke we can with dignity and composure avenge our accumu- 
lated wrongs. 

If when a foreign oppressor was invading us there arise auy who are able to display 
enthusiastic patriotism and insist upon the necessity of resisting to the death, no 
matter what the measure of their ability might be, memorialists could not venture to 
do aught but applaud their spirit. But at a time like the present, when the nation 
is actually in the enjoyment of friendly relations with the powers, to suddenly begin 
to speak of ' ' exterminating foreigners' ' is to provoke a quarrel upon a false issue, 
and to become the laughing stock of the world. 

Moreover, does the expression ''exterminate foreigners " apply to the foreigners 
who are in China, or does it include the foreigners of every nation in the rive con- 
tinents? If it is only the foreigners in China who are to be exterminated, it is 
impossible to prevent others from coming in their place. And if it is all the nations 
of the world that are to be exterminated, then the foreigners are more than ten times 
as numerous as the Chinese, and it does not require much wisdom to know whether 
or not their extermination is possible. 

Nevertheless, the wisdom of Yii Hsien and Yu Lu, both high provincial officers, 
did not reach as far as this. Yu Lu even invited the leaders of the Boxer brigands 
and treated them as honored guests. A rabble of hundreds of village ruffians and 
vagabonds had only to give themselves the style of I-ho-t'uan (themiiitia of patriotic 
union) to be immediately allowed to come in person into his yamen and to be treated 
by the governor-general with every mark of consideration. Was not this a slight to 
the throne and an insult to all the scholars of the Empire? 

Chang Te-ch'eng, Tsao Fu-t'ien, and Han I-li, Boxers of Ching-hai Hsien, Wang 
Te-ch'eng, and others of Wen-an and Pa-chou, were all common local bullies, ruffians 
who defied authority and banded themselves together to make riots the plague of 
their districts. These men had been notorious for a long time; there was not a man 
in the country side who did not know their names, not even a resident in Peking who 
did not know them. The aforesaid governor-general brought them all to the notice 
of the throne in a public memorial, speaking of them in laudatory terms and rec- 
ommending them for employment. Never was there so flagrant a case of deceiving 
the Sovereign. 

Again, Yu Lu stated in a memorial that on the 20th day of the 5th moon (June 16) 
about 7 o'clock in the evening the foreigners demanded the surrender of the Taku 
forts; that the general, Lo Jung-kuang, stoutly refused to comply; that both sides 
remained firm until about midnight, when the foreigners opened the attack with 
artillery fire; that the general offered valiant resistance and succeeded in sinking 
two of the foreign ships at anchor; that on the 22d (June 18) the foreign soldiers in 
the Tientsin settlement advanced in different directions and offered battle; that the 
Chinese forces opposed them in every direction and supported by detachments of 
the I-ho-t'uan (Boxers) attacked them with the utmost vigor and burned a large 
number of houses in the settlement. Now the memorialists have made inquiries of 
refugees who have arrived at Peking from Tientsin, and these all declare that the 
sinking of foreign ships and the burning of foreign houses actually never occurred, 
but that the Chinese troops and Boxers were killed by the artillery of the foreign 
powers to the number of not less than several tens of thousands. Different voices 
all speak in the same sense; it is certainly not a mere lying rumor. 

There are even some who say that the attack of the Taku forts by the foreign forces 
on the 16th of June was subsequent to the opening of hostilities by Yu Lu, who gave 
orders to the Boxers to attack the Tientsin settlement. This statement, however, 
may be merely the result of Yu Lu's unpopularity and can not be trusted implicitly. 

At all events Yu Lu's lying report of military operations is exactly on a par with 
General Tung Fu-hsiang's false statement that the legations had been destroyed and 
the foreigners in them utterly wiped out. 

Now Tung Fu-hsiang was originally a local robber of Kansu, who was forced by 
the pressure of poverty to offer his allegiance, and having rendered a certain amount 
of good service in his military career, was promoted from the ranks by the Throne 
and thus attained his present position. With what self-restraint and self-respect 
ought he to humbly seek to requite such generous and gracious kindness. Instead 
of which this bandit and traitor consorts with thieves and robbers, and continues to 
pursue his course of rebellious conduct. Not only does he show ingratitude for the 
Imperial favors, but his savage, wolf-like disposition gives cause to fear that he may 
bring about still further calamity. 



REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 81 

Yu Lu has held several high territorial commands, and is not to be compared with 
a military officer like Tung Fu-hsiang. But nevertheless his folly and ignorance 
have reached a pitch which surpasses all expectation. 

The truth is that both tried to fall in with the wild views of the officials at the 
court, which they wrongly considered to be inspired by their Majesties the Empress 
Dowager and the Emperor, and they were thus induced to turn round and relapse 
into sedition recklessly and unscrupulously. They were brought over, in fact, by the 
glozing deceits and hoodwinking devices of the present court officials. 

The grand secretary, Hsii-T'ung, is by nature a fool, and has no knowledge of 
good and evil. 

The privy councilor and assistant grand secretary, Kang Yi, associates with traitors 
and encourages rebels. He follows blindly and obstinately his natural disposition. 

The privy councilor and president of the board of ceremonies, Ch'i Hsiu, is obsti- 
nate and self-opinionated, ignorant and yet fond of using his own judgment. 

The privy councilor and president of the board of war, Chao Shu-ch'iao, is bent 
on cunning and deceit, and skillful in playing the sycophant. 

At the time when the Boxers were entering the city, the princess, dukes, and 
other metropolitan and prominent officials were summoned to the Imperial presence 
and asked to pronounce for the policy of violent methods or of conciliation. Memo- 
rialists thereupon replied to the effect that the Boxers were not patriotic subjects, and 
could not be relied upon to defend their country; and that hostilities could not be 
lightly entered upon with foreign powers without due cause. Hsu-T'ung, Kang Yi, 
and others had the audacity, in the presence of the Empress Dowager and the 
Emperor, to stigmatize this language as seditious. Ah, if China's 10,000 well- 
sharpened blades were but equal to the task of conquering her enemies, would noi 
memorialists' life-long desire be to have the whole of the latter collected in one place 
and to give the signal for their destruction? But if they are not, if these critics are 
but deceiving themselves and thus deceiving the country, the "seditious language," 
it is to be feared, is not on the part of your memorialists. 

In the month of June, Kang Yi and Chao Shu-ch'iao received Imperial orders to 
proceed to Cho-chou and disperse the Boxers. The latter forced them to kneel, and 
offer incense, and used language full of slanders and falsehood. Chao Shu-ch'iao well 
knew that they were lying, but he only muttered his disgust to the members of his 
staff, and afterwards, finding that Kang Yi believed the Boxers to be possessed of 
supernatural powers, he did not dare to disagree. All they did was to issue a few 
hundred proclamations by way of fulfilling their mission, whereupon they reported 
to the throne that the Boxers had been dispersed. But if that was so, how is it that 
the Boxer brigands are now so numberless that they can not be exterminated? Why 
does the throne not hold these ministers responsible for the reckless falsehood of 
this memorial? 

At the present moment Tientsin has fallen; and the foreign troops are gaining one 
position after another. So far the Boxers have not succeeded in preventing their 
advance by magic arts, and there is every reason to fear that within a fortnight they 
will be actually striking at the capital. If by any chance the Imperial temples should 
be alarmed by the shock or the people reduced to misery, what a terrible prospect. 
At the very thought of it the hearts of your memorialists are filled with distress; but 
Hsu T'ung, Kang Yi, and the others talk and laugh on the sinking ship, and possess 
their souls in peace as if they still relied on the ability of the Boxers to form a wall 
of defense. The whole court has been in a state of bewilderment, like drunken men 
or fools. Members of the Imperial clan — the Emperor's kinsmen and scions of noble 
families; men of high position — Imperial guardians and preceptors and privy coun- 
cilors, almost all have worshiped the Boxers as supernatural beings. Even in the 
palaces of princes and dukes Boxer altars are said to have been erected. 

The folly of the Boxers infected Hsii T'ung and Kang Yi with folly, and the folly 
of Hsii T'ung and Kang Yi spread to the princes and dukes. Thus Hsii T'ung and 
Kang Yi are the pivots on which the whole of the present extremity turns. If the 
Empress Dowager and the Emperor do not put the laws of the realm in force and 
publicly denounce and punish the high officials who were the ringleaders in encour- 
aging the Boxers, it is to be feared that the whole of the court will be led astray on 
account of the Boxers, and all the high provincial officials who think to conform to 
the view T s of the court — not Yii Hsien and Yu Lu alone — will be befooled along with 
the court. 

Alas! The ancestral altars which have blessed our land for three hundred years 
are to be staked on a single throw by mistaken statesmen in reckless belief in- the 
Boxer cult. How shall the Emperor answ r er for it to the spirits of his sainted ancestors? 

Your memorialists submit that the crisis is at hand; not a moment is to be lost. 
If the Boxers are not immediately exterminated, there is no excuse whereby to stop 

S. Doc. 67 6 



82 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 

the foreign troops. And if the leaders who screen the Boxers are not put to death, 
it will not be possible to exterminate the Boxers. 

At the time when the Boxers began their operations they did not dare to disobey 
the commands of the throne to insult officials, to destroy Government property, to 
carry arms, and bring fire and slaughter on peaceful citizens. But when Hsu T'ung, 
Kang Yi, and the others called them patriotic subjects the prestige of the Boxers 
increased, the common people were led still further astray, and the assemblies of 
worthless vagabonds became more numerous. 

If Yii Hsien last year had immediately suppressed these brigands, they would 
never have been able to spread into Chihli. If Yu Lu this spring had done his duty 
in checking them, the Boxers would never have been able to invade the capital. If 
Hsu T'ung, Kang Yi, and the others had not encouraged them with the title of 
patriotic subjects, these brigands would never have dared to commit such wanton 
excesses in the way of arson, pillage, and murder. Thus, if the calamity is traced 
to its source, it becomes clear upon whose shoulders the responsibility must fall. 

It is the duty therefore of memorialists to ask for a decree in the first place sen- 
tencing to severe punishment Hsu T'ung, Kang Yi, Chi Hsiu, Chao Shu-ch'iao, 
Yu Lu, Yii Hsien, and Tung Fu-hsiang. The other high officials guilty of screening 
the Boxers, who held equally mistaken views with those of Hsu T'ung and Kang Yi, 
should all be punished as their guilt deserves, and the customary slight remission in 
deference to considerations of rank or of relationship should not be granted. 

If this is done the Boxers, learning thus that the former latitude given" to the 
Boxers in open hostilities was due to the error of these high officials and was not 
the policy of the Government, may, it is hoped, lay aside the quarrel and resume 
friendly relations, and the ancestral altars may escape disaster. 

After this your memorialists beg that they may themselves be put to death, in order 
to appease the spirits of Hsu T'ung, Kang Yi, and the other high officers. So your 
memorialists will go joyfully to their doom. 

This memorial is written with reluctance and many tears under the stress of an 
indignation and consternation which can not be contained. It is hereby humbly 
submitted for the perusal of Their Majesties the Empress Dowager and the Emperor. 

July 24, 1900. 



Mr. Conger to Mr. Hay, 

No. 536.1 Legation of the United States, 

Peking, China, February 16, 1901. 

Sir: I have the honor to report that some time ago the question of 
a defensible legation was submitted by the diplomatic corps for advice 
and report to a commission of military officers composed of one from 
each of the military forces here. 

A very full and comprehensive report has been made by the com- 
mittee, copy of which I inclose. The diplomatic corps has as yet 
taken no action thereon. 

While I think the entire area is larger than necessary or advisable, 
yet I do not deem it best to quarrel with my colleagues upon that 
score. But I shall, unless otherwise instructed, oppose adopting or 
beginning work on any system of defense at present. You will 
observe that the plan as prepared practically provides for a veritable 
fortress right in the midst of this great city, and directly adjoining the 
Palace walls. The plan, if carried out, will destroy a large area of 
private Chinese property, which ought to be paid for by someone, and 
the Chinese Government will never compensate the individuals for it. 
Many unnecessary and continuing expenses will be incurred, which 
somebody will have to meet. 

In my judgment, all that is necessary now is to have in view, in 
locating and enlarging the legations, the possible necessity of repelling 
attacks and so locate them as to make defense as easy as possible, in 
case the necessity should ever arise. 



REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 83 

The legations in Peking are not the only foreign interests in China 
which may be attacked. There are or will he foreign merchants, 
traders, engineers, and missionaries at many interior points, and these 
also deserve protection. It will be impossible to provide defense or 
even guards for every community of foreigners. Simply defending 
the legations will not make it safer for the foreigners who are build- 
ing railroads in the interior or otherwise developing China. In case 
of troubles these interests will be the first attacked, and, profiting by 
past experience, the ministers will either have time to get away or 
provide for the requisite defense. 

It seems to me the surest and most reasonable way to protect all 
foreigners is to require the most stringent treaty guaranties for the 
future and insist upon their being carried out rigidly everywhere. If 
the Empire is to be preserved with a government at all worth having 
diplomatic relations with, then it must be a government strong enough 
to protect the representatives of friendly powers in its capital from 
mob violence. If it can not do this, or if it is necessary for the for- 
eign powers to defend their representatives against attacks of the 
Chinese Government itself, then it is not worth holding relations with. 

Besides, if it shall ever be necessary to fortify it need not be done 
now. A long time must elapse before all the foreign troops are with- 
drawn from this province. In the meantime it is to be hoped that the 
Chinese Government will have returned here and exhibited such 
ability to preserve order as will make defense unnecessary; but even 
then there will be time enough to begin the work contemplated in the 
commission's report. 

I inclose a rough map, showing the proposed location of each lega- 
tion. After several consultations with General Chaffee 1 have con- 
cluded that the part marked U. S. A. will not be large enough for 
both the legation and guards. Therefore if Colonel Denby's property 
is purchased I would advise occupying the whole plot U. S. A. with 
the legation, and locating the guards on plot marked U. S. B. But 
if the Colonel Denby property is not purchased, then I recommend 
locating the legation on plot U. S. B. and placing the buildings and 
barracks for the guards on plot marked U. 3. C. In this case we may 
be able to induce the Holland legation to move east next to the Russo- 
Chinese Bank, and so have our legation and guards together. But it 
is neither inconvenient nor undesirable to have them a little way 
apart. 

I am reserving all this property until I can receive the Department's 
instructions. If the plot U. S. C. is taken for our guards it will 
necessitate changing the line of defense proposed bj- the military com- 
manders so as to include this plot, but that can be done without danger, 
and the ministers will doubtless agree to it. 

The Germans have already begun work upon the barracks for their 
guards on the plot of ground marked " German guards," which is a 
very considerable distance from their legation. 

As soon as this matter is taken up by the foreign representatives I 
will report further. 

I have the honor, etc., E. H. Conger. 



84 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 

fin closure No. 1 with dispatch No. 536.1 
Report of the military commission on the defense of the proposed legation quarter at Peking. 

The accompanying plan shows the areas which the ministers of the powers repre- 
sented in Peking propose to occupy for their respective legations; and the general line 
of defense to inclose this area is marked A. D. H. K. A. The ground marked W. X. 
Y. Z. is claimed by both France and Japan. The precise boundary requires to be 
determined by the ministers. 

2. The southern boundary is the Tartar City wall, the occupation of which is con- 
sidered by the military commission to be essential to any scheme of defense, and the 
portion of the wall occupied must project beyond the east and west fronts to admit 
of the necessary flanking fire. These projections are marked on the plan, and should 
contain emplacements to mount guns for flanking purposes and for sweeping the wall 
beyond the limits occupied. 

3. The line N. 0. was proposed for the west British limit and L. M. for that of the 
United States, but the Russian minister is unwilling to withdraw his front toM. W., 
consequently it becomes necessary to advance the whole west front of the line to A. 
D., and the open space necessary for defense will have to be provided by demolitions 
to the west of Gaselee road. 

4. The German east front J. K. is now occupied by a Russian subject, and it is the 
unanimous opinion of the commission that it is necessary for defensive purposes, and 
to afford free communication to the front that this property shall be acquired by 
Germany, either by sale or exchange. 

5. It is understood that the Chinese Government can not be expected to agree to 
the occupation by the allies of the Chien Men, or main central gate leading to the 
Imperial Palace, but if this gate is not occupied the ruined buildings over the outer 
and inner entrances which completely command the wall, should, from a military 
point of view, be razed to the general level of the wall, and reconstruction should 
not be permitted. The buildings are now practically destroyed by fire. The ramps 
which afford access to the gate should be removed. 

6. It is considered desirable that the Hata Men should be included in the defenses, 
but the Russian representative is of the opinion that this is unnecessary. If not 
included the buildings over the gates should be leveled, as in the last paragraph, 
and a new gate constructed in the Tartar City wall near the center of the south face 
of the legation quarter; this gate should be preferably the water gate of the canal in 
the German quarter. The height of the opening would require to be raised so as to 
admit of a roadway over the canal without interfering with the drainage. The open- 
ing should be arched so as not to interfere w T ith free communication along the top of 
the wall. The eastern ramp leading to the wall above the Hata Men should be dis- 
mantled, but if the gate is not occupied both ramps should be removed. 

7. Cross trenches through the top of the Tartar City wall, 5 to 7 meters wide, and 
about 3 meters deep, should be made outside each end of the portion occupied in the 
wall. These trenches should be aligned and graded so that they can be swept by 
fire from other points in the defenses, P. Q., R. S. 

8. It is essential that there should be a clear zone or glacis round the defenses on 
the west, north, and east sides, and the commission considers that the minimum width 
of this space should be 150 yards (about 140 meters), but where possible it is desir- 
able that this w r idth should be increased. The Russian representative considers that 
it would be best on the west side to clear the whole space up to the wall of the Imperial 
City, and this was unanimously agreed to. It was also agreed that the Ketteler- 
strasse should form the limit on the east side. No building to be allowed against the 
outer side of the Tartar City wall or on the open space to the south of the wall. 

The Chinese houses outside and near the Hata Men should be demolished, and 
there should be a distance of 100 meters clear of buildings to the west of the western 
limit occupied on the wall. 

It should be very clearly laid down that all buildings on these glacis or open spaces 
are to be removed, and no new buildings should on any account be permitted; nor 
should materials, except for military purposes, be stacked or placed on these glacis. 

9. The whole area w T hich it is recommended should be obtained from the Chinese 
Government is marked a, b, c, d, e, f, g, h, and the boundary should be indicated on 
the ground by masonry pillars. 

The question of preventing access to the glacis or defenses having been raised, it 
was considered by the majority that iron railings were expensive and undesirable, 
and that the most suitable kind of a fence was one of barbed wire, which could be 
erected by each legation where considered necessary, the concurrence of the adjacent 
legations being obtained. 

10. The commission considers that the outer south wall of the Imperial palace, 



REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 



85 



immediately north of Stewart road, must be demolished to give a sufficient open 
space at the northwest corner of the defenses. 

Lieutenant-Colonel Shiba (Japan) suggested that as the Imperial City wall was 
used during the recent siege of the legations as an artillery position, it might be stip- 
ulated as a punitive measure that this wall should be reduced to one-half its present 
height. This would doubtless be a military advantage, and would admit of a reduc- 
tion in the height of the legation defenses facing the wall. 

11. It is accepted that the defenses can not take the form of a modern fortress, and 
should consist of defensible walls, protected or strengthened with earthwork, gun 
emplacements being provided at intervals. In addition to the flank defense from 
the Tartar City wall, each legation will have to arrange for the^ flank defense of its 
own area in consultation with the adjacent legations, and machine or quick-firing 
guns will be required for flanking fire. 

12. The minimum height of the walls forming the defensive line should be about 
3J meters, earth protection in front of the walls being considered advantageous. It 
is desirable that the ditch should have a minimum width of 5 meters and a depth of 
not less than 2 meters, provided that this admits of proper drainage so that water 
may not stagnate in the ditch. If the necessity of providing for drainage does not 
permit of excavation to a depth of 2 meters the height of the wall can be increased 
and a glacis made so that the necessary depth may be obtained artifically. An 
obstacle in the bottom of the ditch is desirable. Raised roads outside the defenses 
should either be cut down or the outer sides be sloped off in the form of a glacis. 

13. A covered way with earthern parapet carried on arches should be constructed 
across the canal near T to connect the British and Japanese legations. Further 
details of construction to be left to the nations concerned. 

14. It is proposed that the front between the canal and F should be constructed 
and defended by Japan, whose soldiers played so important a part during the recent 
attack on the legations, and who would otherwise hold no portion of the front line. 
This front forms the northern boundary of the proposed international public garden, 
and it is further proposed that Japan should' build and hold the left flank defenses 
of this garden facing the canal. For this arrangement to be efficient Japan must be 
afforded communication from the rear to all parts of these fronts. 

15. The Japanese troops would, as far as possible, form a general reserve for the 
eastern part of the legation quarter. When necessary, and if possible, Russia would 
assist in the general defense of the western portion. 

16. The legation guards tentatively proposed by the military representatives of the 
powers for each national quarter are as follows: 



Nation. 



Men. 


Guns. 


Howitzers. 


250 

250 

300 

d 200 to 250 

150 to 200 

300 to 400 

350 

100 


a2to4 
1)2 

c3 to 4 
e4 
a2 

04 to 6 
a2 
h2 






2 
/2 











Machine 
guns. 



Austro- Hungary 

France 

Germany 

Great Britain . . . 

Italy 

Japan 

Russia 

United States... 



6 to 8 

2 

6 

4 to 6 

2 

h Some 

4 

h2toS 



a Field guns. 

b Two medium siege guns. 

c Quick-firing field guns. 

d This number may have to be increased in proportion to the guards of the other powers. 

e Two quick-firing naval 12-pound guns and two 1-inch Vickers-Maxim guns. 

/Six Howitzers. 

g Two field guns. 

h Not fixed. 



17. The Spanish, Belgian, and Dutch legations have at present no military guards, 
but it would appear fair, from a military point of view, that these countries should 
provide suitable guards. In the case of Holland, the commission is of opinion that 
unless a suitable guard is provided by that country the outer line of defense on the 
west front should be taken by the United States, in which case it would seem desira- 
ble that the Dutch legation should be located elsewhere. 

18. The terminal station of the Paotingfu line is to be built outside the Tartar City 
wall, west of the Chien Men, and it is considered desirable that the space outside the 
wall between the Chien Men and Hata Men should be reserved for the terminus of 
the Peking-Tientsin line, on which railway communication with the coast depends. 
This would bring the station yard under the immediate defense of the legation quar- 



86 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 

ter, and would also, by the construction of a short connecting line, allow for the 
rolling stock of the Southern Railway being run into this station for protection, if 
necessary. 

As railway communication is a matter of great military importance, it appears 
necessary that a stipulation should be made with the Chinese Government that the 
terminal points of the railway lines are always to remain within the Chinese City. 

19. Aerial telephonic communication should be established between the various 
legations, and underground telephonic lines are also desirable. 

20. Not less than three months' supplies should be maintained for the troops in 
Peking. There should also be a sufficient reserve of arms and ammunition. 

21. It was proposed that the detailed arrangements for disposition of the troops 
defending the legatidn area should be drawn up by a commission of the officers in 
command of the legation guards under the senior officer as president, and that the 
senior military officer on duty in Peking should be in command of the whole during 
an attack. The Russian representative, however, stated that he will arrange for the 
defense of his own legation, and will work amicably with the other officers, but will 
not take orders from the senior officer of another nation; nor will he, if the senior, 
accept the command of the whole. The representative of the United States considers 
that this matter of command must be left for subsequent consideration. 

The Russian representative considered that there should be a council of war com- 
posed of the senior officer from each of the eight legations providing the military 
guards. This proposal was generally concurred in. The French representative con- 
siders that it should be denned that the decision on general defense questions should 
rest entirely with the president, who will be the officer in chief command in time 
of war. 

It was suggested that each nation in turn should appoint a senior officer, of not 
lower rank than lieutenant-colonel, for a certain period, as commandant in time of 
war. The period might be from one to three years, and this suggestion is offered for 
consideration by the ministers. 

22. It is necessary to begin the defenses as soon as possible, so as to get the work 
well advanced before the return of the Chinese Government, and completed before 
the rainy season. 

Signed at Peking, February 9, 1901. 
Austro-Hungary : 

Wogack, 
Captain, Headquarters Staff. 
France: 

Vidal, 
Major, Military Attache" to the French Legation. 
Germany: 

v. Gebsatell, 
Major, Headquarters Staff in East Asia. 
Great Britain: 

W. T. Shone, 
Colonel, Colonel on Staff Royal Engineers, President. 
Italy: 

Heney de Chatjrand, 
Lieutenant-Colonel, Headquarters Staff. 
Japan: 

G. Shiba, 
Lieutenant- Colonel, Military Attache to the Japanese Legation. 
Russia: 

NlEWIABOMSKY, 

Lieutenant- Colonel, Commanding Russian Defensive Garrison. 
United States: 

H. H. Ferguson, 
First Lieutenant, Corps of Engineers, U. S. A. 



Mr. Conger to Mr. Hay. 

No. 538.] Legation of the United States, 

Pehmg, China, February 18, 1901. 
Sir: I have the honor to report that on the 16th the question of 
indemnities was taken up by the foreign ministers and discussed gen- 




PEKING 
LEGATION QUARTER 



sctLfofrKr*- 



"r -I" V -1 - FSer 



sm. no/ 



REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 87 

erally, developing the fact, which from private conversations was 
already evident, that there are nearly as many different opinions as 
there are ministers. 

I suggested the adoption of a lump sum which should be within the 
ability of China to pay, and as this would evidently be not sufficient to 
pa} T the demands in full, each power would have to agree to a scaling 
down proportionate to their claims. 

This does not meet with the approval of my colleagues. All say 
they have no instructions as to this method, and none of them, except 
the Japanese, seem really to favor it. * * * The German minister 
insists that China is able to pay the entire amount of all demands, and 
that his Government will require full compensation for all their expend- 
itures and losses. 

It is understood by all that the war indemnities or expenses must be 
fixed by the Governments themselves, but the information sought in 
the telegram confirmed herewith was deemed important by all of my 
colleagues. Some of them believe that special indemnities should be 
demanded for the legation guards who were killed or wounded during 
the siege, on the ground that they were here by consent of the Chinese 
Government. But if this rule should be applied, then it should also 
be extended to those killed and wounded in the column of Seymour and 
McCalla; and from these it is but a very short and hardly distinguish- 
able step to all soldiers, sailors, and marines who were anywhere 
engaged in the expedition. It seems to me, therefore, that all soldiers, 
sailors, and marines should be treated alike. 

You will note in the private claims sent you that all sorts of impos- 
sible demands are made. Without definite instructions I understand 
that the general practice of the United States in the matter of the pres- 
entation of private claims is that — 

(1) Claims arising out of nonfulfillment of contracts with a foreign 
government are not usually pressed; 

(2) That remote, consequential, or speculative damages or antici- 
pated profits are not chargeable; 

(3) That interest on claims is not allowable. 

I also observe, in view of the plain agreement in our treaty, that 
China will defend our citizens from "all insult or injury of any sort;" 
that our Government has at times gone further in demanding indirect 
damages from the Chinese than it probably would have done without 
this treaty provision. 

The question whether each legation should undertake to examine the 
claims of its own nationals, instead of having recourse to a mixed 
commission for the investigation of international claims, has been 
somewhat discussed, and it is the general opinion of the ministers that 
each legation or Government should investigate and pass upon the 
claims of its own people. 

If this plan is adopted it will be necessary that some general prin- 
ciples upon which all private claims shall be based should be agreed to 
and followed by all the Governments. This question will be soon 
taken up for discussion. 

1 have, etc., E. H. Conger. 



88 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 

Mr. Conger to Mr. Hay. 

No. 540.] Legation of the United States, 

Peking, China, February W, 1901. 

Sir: On the 16th the foreign representatives received from the 
Chinese plenipotentiaries a note inclosing three Imperial decrees fixing 
additional punishments for the persons whom we had designated. 

It was, however, very unsatisfactory. It did not in any way men- 
tion the demand we had made, and the decrees were apparently issued 
of the court's own motion, although from some things in them we 
knew our note had been previously received. They did not record 
death sentences against Prince Tuan and Duke Lan, as we required 
and as had been intimated to us by the plenipotentiaries could be done. 
They decreed only imprisonment for Chao Shu-chiao and Ying Nien, 
instead of death, and for Chi Hsiu and Hsu Cheng-yu the}^ said severe 
punishment should be meted out after sufficient proof of guilt could, 
on investigation by Prince Ching and Li Hung-chang, be produced 
against them. The decree conferring posthumous honors upon the 
decapitated members of the Tsungli Yamen was most unsatisfactory. 
It charged them with crimes, and simply restored the rank of which 
they had been deprived by their punishment. 

These are the usual Chinese methods, which we were unanimous in 
agreeing ought to be strenuously resisted. Believing that the court 
can and will execute the punishments demanded, we have repeated our 
demands in a note, a copy of which I inclose. * * * 
I have, etc., 

E. H. Conger. 



[Inclosure 1.— Translation.} 

Prince Ching, etc., Li Hung-chang, etc., have the honor to transmit to the doyen of 
the corps diplomatique for the information of his colleagues copies of the following 
Imperial decree issued to the grand secretariat on the 13th instant and received here 
through the grand council on the 14th instant. 

[seal.] Chinese P. P. 15th February, 1901. 



[Telegram from Shanghai, dated February 14, 1901, transmitting Imperial decree of February 13.] 
[Telegram from the council of state.] 

On the 13th of February, 1901, the following Imperial decree was issued to the 
Grand Secretariat: 

Since the 5th moon the Boxer rebels have headed disturbances which have re- 
sulted in a breach of our relations with friendly states. Prince Ching and Li Hung- 
chang had now, in consultation with the Representatives of the powers at Peking, 
negotiated and signed a draft treaty embodying the principles on which peace shall 
be restored. 

In reflecting on the causes which lie at the root of this calamity we find that they 
are to be traced in reality to the attitude of the princes and high ministers of state, 
who, in their crass ignorance and reckless and violent disregard for law and order, 
placed implicit trust in magic arts, brought pressure to bear on the court, and will- 
fully disobeyed the decrees ordering the suppression of the Boxer rebels. Not only 
that, but they went out of their way to aid and lend their support to these scoundrels 
in their lawless acts of aggression and combat. As a consequence, a hellish confla- 
gration broke out, and ten thousands of evil-doers banding themselves together in 
our immediate neighborhood, created a situation with which it was impossible to 
deal. 



EEPOET OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 89 

They further incited ignorant general officers and untrained troops to surround and 
attack the legations for a period of several months, with the result that a calamity of 
an unprecedented nature overtook the state, that the whole constitution of the nation 
was placed in dire peril, that our ancestral tombs and temples were disturbed, that 
the whole country was ravaged and plundered, and that our people grievously 
perished. . 

The circumstances of danger and distress, in which we and the Empress Dowager 
found ourselves, can hardly be spoken of. Our heart even now is sore and our head 
aches. Grief and resentment in equal measure fill our breast. And all this because 
the princes and ministers of state, by trusting to magic and meddling evil-doers, 
imperiled the shrines of our ancestors and plunged our people into misery. If they 
put the question (to themselves) what punishment is their due, how shall they 
reply? 

We have already issued two edicts on the subject of their punishment, but we still 
feel that the penalties are light compared with the gravity of their crimes, and that 
the former do not suffice to atone for the latter. We therefore have again to mete 
out to them yet severer judgments in proportion (to their varying degrees of guilt) . 

Tsai Hsiin, prince of Chuang, who has already been deprived of his rank, aided 
and encouraged the Boxer rebels to attack the legations. He, on his own responsi- 
bility, issued a proclamation, contrary to treaty, and lightly giving ear to the counsels 
of evil-doers, unjustly compassed the death of many. Of a truth is he clownishly 
fierce and grossly stupid. Let him be awarded the privilege of committing suicide. 
The president of the censorate, Ko Pao-hua, will proceed to his residence and see that 
this sentence is carried out. 

Tsai I, prince of Tuan, who has already been deprived of his rank, was the leader 
of the princes and Imperial dukes who lightly put their trust in the Boxers, and with 
his wild statements was the principal director of the fighting which caused the trouble. 
It is of a truth with difficulty that he can exculpate himself. 

Tsai Lan, an Imperial duke of the first order, degraded and transferred to another 
post, collaborated with Tsai Hsiin in unauthorizedly issuing the proclamation con- 
trary to treaty. He must also be punished. Let him be deprived of his rank and 
offices. In consideration of the fact, however, that they are our near relatives we 
will extend to them special favor. They are hereby sentenced to life imprisonment 
in the new dominion. An officer is to be deputed to keep them under surveillance 
in the first instance. 

Yii Hsien, the governor who has already been deprived of his rank, when holding 
office as governor of Shantung, recklessly believed in the magical arts of the Boxers, 
and on coming to Peking extolled their virtues to such an extent that the princes and 
high ministers of state were carried away (by his misstatements). When governor 
of Shansi he ordered killed many missionaries and native Christians. More than the 
others is he marked out by his crass stupidity and fierce cruelty — a criminal of the 
deepest dye and one of the chief ringleaders. He has already been banished to the 
new dominion and ought by now to have arrived in Kansu. " Let him immediately 
be decapitated. A copy of this sentence is at once to be transmitted (to those con- 
cerned) and the Provincial Judge Ho Tu-kun is deputed to see it carried out. * 

Kang Yi, an assistant grand secretary and president of the board of revenue, aided 
and abetted the Boxers, brought about the present disasters, and joined in the issue 
of the proclamation aforesaid. A heavy penalty ought to be inflicted on him, but 
he has already died a natural death; he is hereby posthumously deprived of his 
office and is to be forthwith stripped of his rank. 

Tung Fu-hsiang, who has been deprived of his rank, while retained at his post as 
commander in chief of the province of Kansu, brought his troops to act as body- 
guard to the Emperor, but did not maintain adequate control over them. He was 
further ignorant of international affairs and acted in an incoherent, reckless, and 
foolish manner. Although he surrounded and attacked the legations at the instiga- 
tion of the princes and others, already degraded, he can not rid himself of culpa- 
bility. Properly speaking, he ought to be severely punished, but in extenuation be 
it said that he has rendered most meritorious service in the province of Kansu and 
the Chinese and Mahometans render him cheerful obedience. As an act of extraor- 
dinary grace we only deprive him of his rank, such deprivation to take place imme- 
diately. 

Ying Men, president of the censorate, who has been lowered. in rank and trans- 
ferred to another post, attempted to dissuade Tsai Hsiin from recklessly issuing the 
proclamation contrary to treaty, which is a point in his favor. * But as he was not 
able to make his opposition effectual, he can hardly rid himself of responsibility. 
As an act of grace he is deprived of his rank and sentenced to imprisonment pend- 
ing decapitation. 



90 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 

Chao Shu-chiao, president of the board of punishments, who has been deprived 
of his rank while retained at his post, was not ordinarily noted for any antiforeigu 
proclivities, and when sent to investigate Boxer affairs did not put forward state- 
ments screening them. He is, however, guilty of culpable negligence. As an act 
of grace he is hereby deprived of his rank and sentenced to imprisonment pending 
decapitation. m 

Both Ying Men and Chao Shu-chiao are in the first instance to be incarcerated in 
the gaol of the provincial capital of Shensi (Hsian). 

The grand secretary, Hsu Tung, and the former governor-general of Ssu-chuan, 
Li Ping-heng, who was degraded and transferred, have already died for their coun- 
try, but as their conduct has given rise to adverse criticism, they are both hereby 
deprived of their rank, and their posthumous honors conferred on them are canceled. 

When this edict shall have appeased all states who are friendly to us ought to 
realize that the Boxer troubles really were the outcome of pressure brought to bear 
by the ringleaders, and that their actions were in no way whatever inspired by the 
court. In punishing the ringleaders we have not erred on the side of lenient protec- 
tion, and all our subjects throughout the land — officials and others — will clearly 
understand that the issues involved in this matter are of the gravest. 

Transmitted by the grand council to the 18 provinces. 



Second decree of same date issued to Grand Secretariat. 

Chi Hsiu, President of the Board of Rites, and Hsu Cheng-yu, ex-President of the 
Board of Punishments, are hereby deprived of their rank as a preliminary measure. 
I K'uang and Li Hung-chang are directed to find out what real proof of guilt exists 
against these individuals. They will then at once address a memorial to us on the 
subject, and the two officers concerned will be most severely punished. 



Third decree issued by the Grand Secretariat. 

The troubles which took place in the course of the fifth moon, and of which the 
Boxer rebels were the chief leaders, increased in violence from day to day. The 
court, being at a loss to know how to repress or to appease, on several occasions sum- 
moned the ministers to audience, in hopes that after they had weighed the circum- 
stances of the case they would afford us an indication of the proper steps to take. We 
repeatedly addressed inquiries to Hsu Yung-i, President of the Board of War, Li 
Shan, President of the Board of Revenue, Hsu Ching-cheng, vice-President of the 
Board of Civil Office, Lien Yuan, Subchancellor of the Grand Secretariat, and Yuan 
Chang, a Director of the court of Sacrificial Worship, but the drift of their answers 
(was noncommittal), advocating two courses as equally practicable. The various 
ministers who constituted the ringleaders (of the Boxer faction) profited by this 
opportunity to bring false denunciations against them, with the result that they 
incurred the penalty of death. 

When we consider, however, the long service of Hsu Yung-i and the others, and 
their capacity for dealing in a friendly spirit with international affairs, which they 
ordinarily displayed, their efforts may be described as meritorious, and as an act of 
grace we hereby restore Hsu Yung-i, Li Shan, Hsu Ching-cheng, Lien Yuan, and 
Yuan-chang to their original offices. 

Let the board concerned take note. 



[Inelosure 2.] 

To Prince Ching and Li Hung-chang. Copy of note agreed upon by the Foreign 

Representatives. 

Peking, February 18, 1901. 

Your Highness and Your Excellency: I have sent my colleagues your note of 
the 15th instant and the three edicts which were inclosed with it. 

The foreign representatives have learned that in these documents there is no allu- 
sion whatever to the decisions which they have made on the subject of the questions 
which are the object of the edicts mentioned below. 

My colleagues have concluded that these edicts have been issued before His Majesty 



REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 91 

the Emperor was made acquainted with the definite resolutions of which I informed 
you in my note of the 6th instant. 

The foreign representatives have, therefore, charged me to request you to inform 
them as soon as possible as to what action has been taken with reference to the note 
that I sent you in their name, above referred to, the terms of which they can not 
recede from. 

I avail myself, etc., B. J. de Cologan. 

Mr. Conger to Mr. Hay. 

No. 542.] Legation of the United States, 

Peking, China, February 21, 1901. 

Sir: I have the honor to confirm my telegram of the 18th instant 
and your reply thereto of the 19th, concerning the order of Count 
von Waldersee referring to the possibility of a resumption of military 
operations on a large scale because of the present conditions of peace 
negotiations, and to inclose a copy of the order as transmitted to me 
for information by General Chaffee. 

There is little doubt that the order was intended as a bluff to frighten 
the Chinese into an immediate compliance with our demands, as it was 

§iven out that the operations contemplated a movement in force to 
ian Fu, which is practically impossible and was never intended to be 
executed. But there has been a constant disposition upon the part of 
most of the military commanders to do something or go somewhere 
with their troops upon the flimsiest of excuses, so that during the 
winter a great part of this province has been gone over. 

The probability was that under this order some kind of a movement 
would be made which might seriously disturb our present efforts at 
negotiation, frighten the court, make its return to Peking less prob- 
able, and jeopardize the final settlement. Having all joined in the 
peace negotiations, no single power has any right to pursue independ- 
ent offensive operations. Such a course would disturb harmonious 
action and might at any time break the concert; therefore 1 have 
insisted with my colleagues upon the principle set forth in the follow- 
ing statement which I made to my colleagues in the meeting of the 
18th instant: 

It is currently reported that some of the military commanders are discussing the 
possibility of, and making preparations for, an early active resumption of military 
operations on a large scale, because of the present course of peace negotiations. 

I do not desire in any way to criticise the military; but in view of the fact that all 
the governments have jointly entered into negotiations for a peaceful settlement, it 
is hardly competent for any of the powers to disturb the harmony, endanger the 
concert, or jeopardize the result of negotiations by resuming military operations 
without the consent of all. 

I signed the joint note in which our demands were formulated under the express 
stipulation that it in no way committed my Government to further military opera- 
tions. And the note was finally agreed to after the declared understanding that the 
last clause, which was added by our British colleagues, limited military operations to 
the occupancy of Peking and this province. 

If this report as to proposed military movements proves true, and my colleagues 
are of the same opinion, I suggest that the ministers recommend to their respective 
military commanders or to their governments the postponement of any contemplated 
military operations until the arrival at such a stage in the peace negotiations as the 
governments agree will warrant their resumption. 

I made this not so much as a protest against this particular proposed 
movement as against the assumed right of any independent action 
which might endanger the success of negotiations, and which several 
of the powers seem determined to exercise. 

I have, etc., E. H. Conger. 



92 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 

[Inclosnre.— Translation.] 
Army order of Count von Waldersee, general field marshal, dated February 15, 1901. 

Army Headquarters in East Asia, 

Peking, Winter Palace, February 15, 1901. 

ARMY ORDERS. 

Although the peace negotiations are still continued, their present course gives me 
cause to allude to the possibility of being obliged to resume very soon active military 
operations on a large scale. As a favorable season is approaching, I request that as 
soon as possible those arrangements and preparations be made which are necessary 
to assume the readiness of all forces toward the end of this month. First of all, it 
will be necessary to provide sufficient transportation means to enable the troops to 
take along a supply of ammunition and provisions for about eight days over difficult 
mountain roads. 

Although the greatest part of provisions will probably be taken from the districts 
where the operations are going on, the conditions are not sufficiently known to rely 
upon this. It will, therefore, be necessary for the forwarding of the most necessary 
provisions to form and equip transport columns which are able to overcome consid- 
erable difficulties of the terrane. 

Count von Waldersee, 

General Field Marshal. 



Mr. Conger to Mr. Hay. 

No. 552.] Legation of the United States, 

Peking, China, February 28,1901. 

Sir: 1 inclose copy of the final Imperial edict decreeing satisfactory 
punishments. 

All the executions, except the two in this city, were to, and I suppose 
did, take place on the 24th, and the two here on the 26th. 

Those at Sian Fu were to be verified by an Italian priest residing 
there, those in the city by the Japanese legation, and the others by an 
Imperial edict to be afterwards published, naming the place and time 
of each punishment and certifying that they were carried out as stated 
and witnessed by certain named officials. 

It was thought by all the ministers that some of the most prominent 
provincial and local officials who were responsible for the murder, and, 
in many cases, torture of the missionaries, ought to be severely pun- 
ished at the place of the massacres, in order to bring home to the people 
of the localities a realization of the enormity of their crimes. 

I acquainted my colleagues with the President's views, and the prob- 
ability now is that the death penalty will only be demanded for ten or 
twelve of the most guilty officials and degradation and perpetual pro- 
hibition from holding office for many others. 

I have, etc., E. H. Conger. 



[Inclosnre with dispatch 552.] 

Translation oj 'decree of February 21, 1901, received by Chinese plenipotentiaries from Grand 
Council February 22, 1901, and transmitted to Doyen on February 23, 1901. 

In a late decree, dealing with those chiefly responsible for the recent misfortune, 
we meted out to them varying degrees of severe punishment. 

I-K'uang (Prince Ching) and Li Hung-chang now report to us by telegraph that 
the note presented by the foreign plenipotentiaries calls for yet heavier penalties, 
and they pray that We take the matter into further consideration. 



REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 93 

Leaving out of account Tsai Hsun (Prince Chuang), who has already been granted 
the privilege of committing suicide, and Yu Hsien, orders for whose immediate decapi- 
tation had been issued — officers in each case being deputed personally to supervise 
the carrying out of the sentence — We hereby decree as follows: 

Tsai I ( Prince Tuan ) and Tsai Lan are to be imprisoned pending decapitation. Bear- 
ing in mind, however, the fact that they are our near relatives and having regard to 
the ties of kinship, We, as a special act of grace, commute this sentence to one of per- 
petual incarceration on the most remote frontier of the new dominion. Officers will 
forthwith be appointed to take them into custody and set out with them on the 
journey to their place of exile. 

Kang Yi's guilt is characterized by features of exceptional gravity. His sentence 
ought to be that of immediate decapitation, but as he has already died a natural 
death, no further action need be taken. 

Our previous decree sentenced Ying Men and Chao Shu-chiao to imprisonment 
pending decapitation. They are now granted the privilege of committing suicide. 
T'sen Chun-hsuan, governor of Shensi, will himself supervise the execution of this 
sentence. 

Ch'i Hsiu and Hsu C'heng-yu were recently deprived of their rank. The foreign 
powers having pointed out that they materially abetted the Boxer rebels and were 
noted for their antiforeign attitude, I K'uang and Li Hung-chang are hereby directed 
to apply to the powers for their rendition, and when this shall have been effected, 
immediately to decapitate them. The heads of the boards of punishments will see 
that these sentences are carried into execution. 

Hsu Tung, by lightly placing confidence in the Boxer rebels, seriously compro- 
mised the situation. Li Ping-heng, by his magniloquent language and bigoted obsti- 
nance, was instrumentaHn bringing about trouble. Both ought to have been sen- 
tenced to imprisonment~pending decapitation, but as on the eve of adversity they 
committed suicide and have already been deprived of their rank and posthumous 
distinctions, no further action need be taken. 

The crimes of which the chief delinquents were guilty have been clearly set forth 
in detail in Our former decree. 



Mr. Eockhill to Mr. Hay. 

No. 30.] 

Peking, China, February £6, 1901. 

Sir: I have the honor to inform you that in pursuance of your tele- 
graphic instructions of the 23d instant to Mr. Conger and myself, the 
diplomatic representatives and the Chinese peace commissioners were 
duly informed that I would take charge of the United States' interests 
in the pending negotiations. On the 24th I entered upon my duties. 

To-day the diplomatic representatives in conference decided upon the 
boundaries of the area which they deem necessary for the diplomatic 
quarter — the Chinese Government having agreed, in principle, to con- 
cede one to the treaty powers for that purpose. They based their 
demands on the report of the mixed military commission, copy of which 
was sent you in Mr. Conger's No. 536, of the 16th instant, with a plan 
of the proposed quarter. A note will be at once addressed to the Chi- 
nese plenipotentiaries stating the demands of the powers in the matter. 
Some slight modifications may be made in the western portion of the 
area, if the Chinese too strenuously refuse all that is demanded in that 
direction. 

While agreeing with my colleagues in the demand for this tract of 
land, 1 called their attention to the fact that the area in it allotted to 
the United States was, from every point of view, inadequate to the 
actual requirements of my Government for the accommodation of a 
legation with a guard, in case it should, as I hoped, decide to build one. 
The land, whether private or governmental property, in the legation 
quarter was seized by the various representatives here immediately 



94 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 

after the siege, without any regard to their actual or eventual wants 
and with the intention of, later on, disposing of it to their nationals as 
they might see fit. The representative of the United States not having 
followed this course, we can but extend over the few lots of ground 
along the face of the wall of the Tartar City, which you can see by 
reference to the plan. 

I informed my colleagues that I only agreed to demanding the 
present diplomatic quarter on the understanding that later on they 
would agree to consider the proposition of my Government asking 
for China to make in Peking an international concession and put the 
city on the footing of a treaty port. 

The property seized by the German, French, Italian, and Austrian- 
Hungarian legations included all that occupied until the siege by Sir 
Robert Hart and the Foreign Maritime Customs staff, at which time 
it was entirely destroyed. I took advantage of the discussion being 
brought on this subject by the reading of a letter of Sir Robert to the 
British minister against the practical confiscation of his property, to 
express the profound regret which my Government and people would 
feel on learning that any of the powers should have found it necessary 
under any circumstances to dispossess or in any way interfere with 
the Maritime Customs, a cosmopolitan institution in which we all take 
equal and just pride. Its distinguished head, to whose efforts more 
than to any other living man is due the present flourishing condition 
of foreign trade in China and the introduction of many western 
methods and improvements, deserves, we think, every consideration 
from the whole western world. The British minister spoke on the 
same lines, referring to the great services of Sir Robert Hart, not 
only to commerce, but to diplomacy. 

The other diplomatic representatives expressed their high apprecia- 
tion of the Customs service, but I have little hope that any of the 
seized property will be returned to the customs, though another tract 
within the diplomatic quarter and on the eastern side is to be offered 
in lieu thereof. 

I am, sir, your obedient servant, W. W. Rockhill. 



Mr. Rockhill to Mr. Hay. 

No. 31.] Commissioner of the United States to China, 

Peking, China, Februa/ry 28, 1901. 

Sir: I have the honor to report that the foreign representatives, in 
their meeting held yesterday, considered the question of punishments 
to be demanded for provincial officials and other persons most directly 
responsible for the massacres and riots of last year. The list com- 
prised about one hundred names, against ten of whom it was proposed 
that capital punishment should be asked, the others to be cashiered 
and never to be employed again; some also to be punished by exile for 
life. 

The Russian minister informed his colleagues that his Government 
was opposed to demanding of the Chinese further capital punishments, 
and that he could not agree to the demand now proposed without 
explicit instructions from St. Petersburg. I informed my colleagues 
of the substance of your instructions cabled Mr. Conger under date of 



REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 95 

the 21th instant, stating that the President's earnest wish was that the 
effusion of blood should cease; that, with the execution of the chief 
authors of the recent troubles, and in view of the severity of the mate- 
rial punishment inflicted upon China, he would be pleased if the powers 
would agree not to ask for more death sentences. I added that the 
President did not propose, however, to decide on the necessity of such 
demands and that, therefore, I would not put myself in opposition if 
they agreed to it, but that I would not demand the capital punishment 
of any person, though I would ask dismissal from the public service 
against a number. The question will probably be disposed of within 
a week. I am inclined to think that the number of capital sentences 
asked for will be less than those now submitted. At the same time as 
this demand is sent in to the Chinese I will endeavor to have a demand 
made for posthumous honors for Chang Yin-huan. 

The conference then proceeded to a consideration of the names of 
the localities in which examinations are to be prohibited during five 
years. I submitted a tentative list, which will be added to or revised 
by each legation and submitted to the Chinese Commission at the same 
time as the list of punishments. 

Committees were then appointed from among the representatives to 
prepare and submit at the earliest possible date memoranda on the 
prohibition of the importation of arms, etc. (Joint Note, Article V), 
and on the reform in court ceremonial and reorganization of the 
Tsung-li Yamen (Article XII). The first-named committee is com- 
posed of the Russian and British ministers and myself; the second, of 
the Japanese minister and myself. I am also on the committee charged 
with the preparation of rules for assessing claims. On this committee 
are also the German, Belgian, and Netherlands ministers. It is hoped 
by this latter committee that it will be able to present a report to the 
conference within a week. This will serve as a basis for discussion, 
and will, I hope, be adopted in some shape b}^ all the powers in estab- 
lishing their claims. The question is, however, a particularly difficult 
and delicate one, especially in view of our wish to ask for a lump sum 
from China, to be afterwards distributed among the powers. So far 
no strong opposition has developed against your proposition for a lump 
sum, and I hope it may be finally agreed to. 
I am, etc., 

W. W. Rockhill. 



Mr. Hay to Mr. Rockhill. 

No. 21.] Department of State, 

Washington, April 18, 1901. 
Sir: I have to acknowledge the receipt of your dispatch No. 31, of 
February 28 last, on the subject of the meeting of the foreign repre- 
sentatives to consider the question of punishments to be demanded for 
provincial officials and other persons most directly responsible for the 
massacres and riots in China last year, your demand for posthumous 
honors for Chang Yin-huan, indemnities, etc. 

Your action respecting the several matters treated of in your dis- 
patch is approved by the Department. 
I am, etc., 

John Hat. 



96 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 

Mr. Rockhill to Mr. Hay. 

No. 32.] Commissioner of the United States to China, 

Peking, China, March 2, 1901. 

Sir: The diplomatic representatives at their conference this morn- 
ing, after having read a note from the Chinese peace commissioners 
stating that reports had been received from the various high officials 
designated to see that the death sentences against Prince Chuang, 
Ying Men, Chao Shu-chiao, and Yti Hsien had been duly carried out, 
and that these personages had either committed suicide or been executed 
between the 21st and 24th of February, decided, nevertheless, to ask 
for an Imperial decree stating these facts. 

The representatives then took up for consideration the plan of 
defense of the legation quarter. After a lengthy exchange of views 
on the subject, and in view of the declarations made by the British 
minister and myself that we could not discuss the subject until it had 
been fully examined by our respective Governments, it was agreed to 
refer the whole matter to our Governments for instructions. 

The plan of defense is embodied in the report of the mixed military 
commission which was forwarded to you by Mr. Conger in his No. 
536, of the 16th of February. I thoroughly concur with the views 
therein expressed, and shall oppose adopting or beginning work on 
any system of defense at present. 

I submitted to-day to my colleagues that the political side of this 
question, as well as of all the questions connected with military meas- 
ures to be taken in this province, was infinitely the most important, 
and they must all agree with me that the carrying out of the elaborate 
plan provided for by the report was of very doubtful expediency, if 
we propose to try and establish cordial relations with the Chinese 
Government. We had, by the terms of the Joint Note, acquired the 
right to make the diplomatic quarter defensible, and to hold with mil- 
itary forces the lines of communication with the sea, but we should, I 
thought, confine ourselves to letting the Chinese know that we will 
only exercise these rights so far as conditions may require, and that 
the extent of our defensive measures, both in Peking and along the lines 
of communication, must always depend on the spirit which may ani- 
mate the Chinese Government and people. 

The plan of defense submitted is, furthermore, entirely dependent 
on an assured permanent garrison in Peking of 2,000 men; but the Rus- 
sian and British ministers and I stated that our Governments had not 
agreed to maintain this number permanently and, I added, the United 
States would not agree to enter into any scheme of permanent occupa- 
tion; could not, in fact, without legislative action. I said that so far 
as we were concerned, we reserved absolute liberty of action, not only 
as to the number of the guard we might keep here, but even to keep- 
ing any guard here at all. 

The concensus of opinion of the conference was that only such works 
of defense should be undertaken as were unobtrusive; the razing of 
the superstructures over the Hata men and the Chien men and a num- 
ber of other measures deemed indispensable by the military committee 
seemed to most of the representatives very impolitic. I shall do 
nothing in the matter without your detailed instructions. 

The conference will take up in its next meeting, some time next 
week, the study of the question of indemnities. The discussion of the 



REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 97 

principles to govern the presentation of claims promises to occupy a 
number of meetings. 

1 am, sir, your obedient servant, W. W. Rockhill. 



Mr. Conger to Mr. Hay. 

No. 558.] Legation of the United States, 

Peking. March h 1901. 

Sir: * * * Immediately after the raising of the siege a number 
of foreigners at once began taking possession of and trying to pur- 
chase much of the burned and abandoned property in what must neces- 
sarily be the future legation quarter. 

This is not a treaty port where foreigners may purchase land at will, 
but yet it was apparent that if this was not stopped the entire Chinese-, 
owned property would be taken and no opportunity left for the neees- 
sary extensions of the legations. 

In order to prevent this the foreign representatives, on the 6th of 
November last, passed the following resolution: 

The diplomatic body agrees that no purchase of ground from the Chinese since the 
commencement of the siege, in the quarter occupied by the legations, will be of any 
value without the consent of the foreign representatives. 

This at once put a stop to all purchases or seizures by private 
individuals. 

Since the 11th of August, 1900, Peking has been under the military 
occupation of the allies. On November 6 the allied powers, through 
their representatives, gave the notice embodied in the resolution 
quoted above. This was a restriction or qualification of private own- 
ership and a limitation of the right of alienation which, during the 
military occupation, the dominant powers had a right to exercise, 
and no transfers within the time designated could be valid as against 
the United States or other powers represented here. The restriction 
was authorized by public law and necessary to prevent the acquisition 
of the property needed b} T private individuals for speculative or other 
purposes. It does not imply the forcible acquisition of property for 
legation purposes b}^ the United States: but is a precautionary meas- 
ure against the vesting of intermediate rights. 

It is always the policy of the United States to make just compensa- 
tion for propert} T taken for public use. The above view seems to be 
well sustained by fundamental and international law and by court 
decisions and practice. 

* ¥r * * * * fl- 

it is not the practice of the United States to confiscate property for 
its citizens nor for any other purpose, * * * I have contented 
myself with designating tracts in the vicinity of the legation's present 
residence, which will be ample for the purpose of a new legation, 
including a place for the proposed guards, in case the Government 
determines to have a legation of its own. It is, however, probable that 
in the portion of the quarter allotted to the United States legation 
there will be some few desirable lots beyond the requirements of the 
legation, which, of course, citizens of the United States have the first 
right to purchase. 
I have, etc. , 

E. H. Congee. 
S. Doc, 67 7 



98 EEPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 

[Inclosure.] 
Mis. No. 573:] Peking, February 12, 1901. 

To all American landowners in Peking: 

I beg to bring to your special attention the following resolution adopted to-day by 
the diplomatic body, and at the same time to request that you will comply as soon 
as may be convenient with the instructions therein set forth : 

"The representatives of the foreign powers have decided that it is best to define 
and organize as soon as possible the legation quarter provided for by the. collective 
note accepted by the Emperor of China and which ought to be created at Peking. 

' ' Therefore, each of the foreign ministers invites his nationals to make him acquainted 
with all the titles and references in support of the properties which they possess in 
the ground included within the following limits: Hatamen gate, Ketteler street, Ital- 
ian boulevard, Stewart road, Chienmen street, Chienmen gate, Tartar City Wall. 

"The only proprietors who will be considered as in legal possession are those who 
acquired title prior to June 20, 1900. 

" Every minister will receive directly from his nationals the titles and references 
relating to the properties, and they should be delivered before February 25. 

" The foreign landowners of countries which have no diplomatic agents in China 
should address the dean of the diplomatic body, the Spanish minister, prior to this 
date, supporting their claims by documentary evidence as above. ' ' 

E. H. Conger, United States Minister. 



Mr. Ray to Mr. Rockhill. 

No. 22.] Department of State, 

Washington, April 18, 1901. 
Sir: I have to acknowledge the receipt of your dispatch No. 32, of 
the 2d ultimo, stating that you concur in the views expressed by Mr. 
Conger in his dispatch No. 536, of February 16 last, respecting the 
proposed system of defense for the legation quarter in Peking, and 
that }^ou will oppose adopting or beginning work on any system of 
defense at present. 
The Department concurs in your views on the subject. 
I am, sir, etc., 

John Hay. 



Mr. Rockhill to Mr. Ray. 

No. 35.] Commissioner of the United States to China, 

Peking, China, March 7, 1901. 
Sir: I have the honor to transmit herewith copy of a note from the 
Chinese plenipotentiaries reporting the carrying out of the capital 
sentences on certain princes and ministers ordered bv Imperial edict 
of February 23, 1901. 

Notwithstanding the assurances conveyed in the inclosed note, the 
foreign representatives decided, as I have already informed you in my 
No. 32 of the 2d instant, to ask for an Imperial decree stating the 
carrying out of these sentences. 

I am, sir, your obedient servant, 

W. W. Rockhill. 



[Inclosure with dispatch No. 35.] 

The Chinese Plenipotentiaries to M. de Cologan. 

Peking, February 28, 1901. 
Your Excellency: We have already addressed a note to your excellency inform- 
ing you that a decree had been issued ordering Prince Chuang, Yu Hsien, Ying Nien, 



REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 99 

and Chao Shu-chiao to either commit suicide or suffer death by decapitation. This 
is a matter of record. 

We have now received a telegram from the Grand Council stating that Ko Pao-hua 
had reported that he witnessed in person Prince Chuang committing suicide on the 
21st of February at Pu Chou. 

Ho Fu-k'un reports that on the 22d of February, at the capital of Kansu, he 
witnessed the decapitation of Yu Hsien, and Tsen Chun-hsuan reports that on the 
24th of February he was present, and establishes the fact, that Ying Nien and Chao 
Shu-chiao committed suicide. 

As Ch'i Hsiu and Hsu Cheng-yu were decapitated here, there appears no need to 
again inform your excellency officially of this fact. 

We therefore send your excellency the above particulars of the dates of the suicide 
of Prince Chuang,- Chao Shu-chiao, and Ying Nien, and the decapitation of Yu 
Hsien, transmitted to us by telegram from Hsi An, and beg that you will in turn 
communicate the same to the plenipotentiaries of the powers. The case is there- 
fore settled so far as the punishment of the leaders of (the late) calamity is concerned. 

Cards of Prince Ching and Li Hung-chang, with compliments. 



Mr. Rockhill to Mr. Hay. 

No. 36.] Commissioner of the United States to China, 

Peking, China, March 7, 1901. 

Sir: I have the honor to transmit to you herewith a translation of a 
memorandum from the Chinese plenipotentiaries to the foreign repre- 
sentatives setting forth their objections to the area asked for by the 
latter in their note of the 1st instant to be used as a diplomatic quarter. 

In my dispatch No. 30, of February 26, I stated that the foreign 
representatives were prepared to make certain concessions along the 
western side of the section they asked for. This is the quarter more 
particularly occupied by the Chinese Government offices. Some com- 
promise will certainly be reached. 

You will notice by referring to the plan sent in Mr. Conger's No. 
536, that it is the British Government which wants most of the land 
now occupied by Chinese governmental offices. 

In connection with the question of the diplomatic quarter, I find to 
my great regret that the resolution of the diplomatic body of Novem- 
ber 6 last was only sent you on the 4th of the present month in Mr. 
Conger's No. 558. The very unusual nature of this resolution, the 
principle of which I have great difficulty in persuading myself to 
admit, makes me hope that you will give me as soon as may be instruc- 
tions for my guidance in its application. 

I am, sir, your obedient servant, W. W. Rockhill. 



[Inclosure No. 1 with dispatch No. 36.] 

Translation of a memorandum presented by Prince Ching and Li Hung-chang, conjointly, 
on the subject of the legation quarter, dated March 2, 1901. 

On the 1st instant we received a communication from the doyen, accompanied by a 
plan, stating that the foreign Representatives had decided upon the area to be set apart 
as legation quarter and defined the four boundaries of the same; that the public offices 
and buildings therein situated must be transferred elsewhere, and that the question 
of compensating the Chinese inhabitants thereof, who must also remove themselves 
and who are to be expiatoriated, is reserved for a subsequent communication. 

As regards the Chinese residing in this quarter, who have to remove themselves 
elsewhere, it is, in the interest of justice and equity, imperative that later on regula- 
tions for indemnifying them in respect of their removal expenses and the value of 
their land be drawn up. 



100 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 

In the memorandum of February 5, which we handed to you, we asked for par- 
ticulars as to where the legation quarter commenced and where it ended. We stated 
that all offices and buildings situated therein ought to be considered part of the same, 
and pointed out the necessity of having a joint delimitation of its boundaries. 

A careful perusal, however, of the plan accompanying the doyen's communication 
shows us that the Tang Tzu, important ground where the Emperor is wont to sacri- 
fice, has been included within the limits, which also embrace the following public 
offices and buildings: 

The Imperial clan court, the boards of civil office, revenue, rites, war and works, 
the Mongolian Superintendency, the Hanlin College, the Imperial Supervisorate of 
instruction, the Court of the Imperial stud and of state ceremonial, the Imperial 
Board of astronomy, the Carriage park, the Residence for the tributary envoys and 
the college devoted to the students of the Hanlin Bachelors. All the above-named 
places are essential to the carrying on of public business. Ever since Peking was 
made the capital the various public offices have been established inside the Cheng 
Yang Gate (Chien men), on the right and left of the Imperial city. They are in 
immediate proximity to and form a circle round the same. 

Not only does the fact of their being adjacent (to the palace) facilitate the dispatch 
of public business, but it is a question intimately affecting the prestige and the dignity 
of the State. This arrangement has remained without change throughout the Yuan 
and Ming dynasties — a period of now more than five hundred years. The magni- 
tude of the building operations, and the number of public servants — high and low — 
have also to be considered, and were a transfer insisted upon there would be no 
other site available. Moreover, the Tang Tzu and these various public offices and 
buildings are comparatively far away from the legations. Regarded from a legation 
point of view, their exclusion from the legation quarter would have no harmful results, 
whereas their inclusion therein would defend the capital city of ail that goes to 
constitute a capital. The action proposed involves consequences of no trifling import 
to the dignity of the state and the hope of the people. 

Were we lightly and inconsiderately to acquiesce therein, it is to be feared, that 
their Majesties, the Empress Dowager and the Emperor, would, on their return, visit 
us with censure of the severest kind. It is of a truth really impossible for us to take 
so heavy a load upon our shoulders. 

It is accordingly incumbent upon us to pray you in the terms of our former memo- 
randum to agree to consider these buildings as not included in the legation quarter. 

To accede to our request would afford ample evidence that the foreign ministers 
plenipotentiary are in sympathy with the sincere desire to strengthen friendly rela- 
tions, which animates our Government. 

That you will do so is of a truth most fervently hoped by us. 



Mr. Rill to Mr. Rockhill. 

No. 23.] Department of State, 

Washington, May 3, 1901. 

Sir: I have to acknowledge the receipt of your dispatch No 36, of 
March 7 last, inclosing- the translation of a memorandum from the 
Chinese plenipotentiaries to the foreign representatives setting forth 
their objections to the area to be used as a diplomatic quarter asked 
for by the latter in their note of March 1. 

While the Department considers the resolution of November 6, 1900, 
which says: " The diplomatic body agrees that no purchase of ground 
from the Chinese since the commencement of the siege, in the quarter 
occupied by the legations, will be of any value without the consent of 
the foreign representatives," as being of unusual nature, the excep- 
tional character of the resolution is believed to be justified in view of 
the inconvenience that might result from permitting foreigners to 
speculate in land intended to be occupied by the foreign legations, 
taken in conjunction with the fact that Pekin is not a treaty port where 
foreigners may purchase land at will. 

The Department has, therefore, approved the action of Mr. Conger 



REPORT OF CONMISSIONER TO CHINA. 101 

reported in his No. 558, while recognizing the exceptional character 
of the resolution passed by the representatives of the foreign powers. 

In reply to your request for instructions for your guidance in the 
application of the resolution, the Department would enjoin the with- 
holding for the present of authorization of the acquisition of the land 
in question by private individuals. 

As regards bona fide purchases made before the action taken by the 
foreign representatives, it may be necessary to inquire into the cir- 
cumstances of such purchases, before dispossession is resorted to, if 
that should ultimately prove necessary. 

I am, sir, etc., David J. Hill,* 

Acting Secretary. 



Mr. Rockhill to Mr. May. 

No. 37.] Commissioner of the United States to China, 

Peking, China, March 8, 1901. 

Sir: I have the honor to confirm my telegram to you of yester- 
day. 

In this connection I wish to say that notwithstanding the announce- 
ment made in your telegram of February that two troops of cavalry 
would be designated for the purpose of guarding the legation and for 
garrisoning Tientsin, it was stated by General Chaffee and considered 
settled by the legation that only one company of infantry would be 
kept, for the time being, at Peking as a legation guard. This force 
was held by our military authorities and the legation to be ample for 
all requirements. Furthermore, the ground in the Tartar city on 
which the United States can build a legation and quarters for its 
guard is entirely inadequate if two companies, say 250 men, are to be 
left here. Many would have to be quartered far away, and be of 
little use in case of a riot or a sudden attack. Mr. Conger pointed 
this out to you in his telegram of December 7 last, in which I thor- 
oughly concur. 

In view of the sufficiency of a guard of one company of infantry, 
and the fact that it was believed on all sides that we had determined 
to have that number, and that there is no valid reason to be found in 
the state of the country to double it at present, I deem it would be 
impolitic to do so, especially as some of the other powers might be dis- 
posed to avail themselves of the fact to increase their already large 
guards and demand the indefinite occupation by their troops of many 
public buildings, temple grounds, etc., which should be returned to 
the Chinese at the earliest possible date. 

1 am, sir, your obedient servant, W. W. Rockhill. 



Mr. Rockhill to Mr. Hay. 

No. 39.] Commissioner of the United States to China, 

Peking, March 1%, 1901. 
Sir: I have the honor to inform you that after a week passed with- 
out a meeting of the diplomatic corps, so as to enable the commission 
appointed by it to prepare a body of rules to be followed in passing 



102 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 

on the various claims of companies, societies, and private individuals 
against the Chinese Government, a general meeting of the corps was 
held to-da}^ for consideration of the report of this commission. 

Before the question was, however, taken up it was deemed desirable 
to see if any agreement could be reached by the foreign representa- 
tives as to the ulterior lists of punishments which it had been agreed 
to demand of the Chinese Government. The Russian minister immedi- 
ately made a declaration that under instructions from his Government 
he could not take any part in any further discussion concerning any 
punishments whatever; that he had been ordered by his Government 
to declare that it considered this subject closed with the punishments 
already inflicted. The British minister then asked the representatives 
if they would affirm their vote of the previous meeting, in which they 
had decided, in principle, upon transmitting these demands to the 
Chinese Government. This was done, and the diplomatic corps, with 
the exception of the Russian minister, was unanimous in its decision 
that these punishments should be asked for. The British minister 
added that he had categorical instructions from his Government to 
insist on this question, and his colleagues agreed that it should not be 
dropped. I restated the President's and your views on the subject, 
as contained in your telegraphic instructions of February 19 and 23, 
but for the sake of maintaining unanimity I voted with my colleagues. 
The representatives will now await the decision of their Governments 
on the subject, to whom they have telegraphed the declaration of the 
Russian minister. 

The commission of the diplomatic corps intrusted with the work 
relating to the diplomatic quarter then submitted a draft of the proc- 
lamation to be published in this section of the city, requiring of the 
Chinese property holders to show within twenty days titles to the 
property owned by them in this section of the city, so that a basis 
might be found for establishing the amount of the indemnification 
which they may be entitled to on being expropriated. A Chinese 
official appointed by the Chinese peace commissioners will assist the 
commissioners in this work. 

The Chinese commissioners having, in a memorandum recently com- 
municated to the foreign representatives, raised objections to the pub- 
lic buildings belonging to the Chinese Government and situated within 
the proposed diplomatic quarter, being included in the land to be ceded 
to the powers, the commission on the diplomatic quarter was author- 
ized to confer with the Chinese plenipotentiaries on the subject, and 
to endeavor to reach a compromise with them. 

The subject of indemnities was then taken up b} r the conference, 
and the various members were asked if they had received replies from 
their Governments to the four questions they had agreed to submit 
to them on February 17, and which were telegraphed to you by Mr. 
Conger on that date. 1 stated briefty your views on the subject and 
also your suggestion that, in case of protracted disagreement as to the 
distribution of the indemnity, we would accept the suggestion made b} T 
Russia, that the matter be referred to the Hague Tribunal. The Rus- 
sian minister stated that he was not aware that his Government had 
actually made this proposition, that it was a mere indication, and he 
was not prepared to say that his Government would finally accept it. 
The British minister said categorically that his Government did not 
favor the Hague Tribunal, and the French minister did not consider 



REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 103 

the proposition favorably, though he was willing that it should be 
discussed, as a possible solution in case of necessity. The meeting 
adjourned without the report on the commission of indemnities having 
been read, to meet again to-morrow. On my return from the confer- 
ence, I telegraphed you the substance of the declaration of the Russian 
minister, and the action I had taken, and in view of the possibility of 
the majority of the representatives agreeing within a few days on some 
plan which may necessitate communication to the conference of the 
sum which each power expects as war indemnity, and that which it 
may ask on account of private claims, I renewed my request already 
made on March 2, that I should be informed on the subject- 

In the afternoon I met the Russian and British ministers, to pre- 
pare a report embodying a plan for carrying out the provisions of 
Article V of the Joint Note, concerning the interdiction of the importa- 
tion of arms, etc., into China. As soon as this report has been dis- 
cussed b} 7 the conference I will transmit a copy of it to you. From 
the expression of views of my colleagues, I gather t'hat it will be found 
absolutely impracticable to enforce this prohibition. The only power 
which seems earnestly desirous of stringently carrying it out is Russia, 
which has also included a similar prohibition in the demaiids recently 
made by it on China at St. Petersburg. 
1 am, sir, your obedient servant, 

W. W. ROCKHILL. 



Mr. Bock hill to Mr. Hay. 

No. 41.] Commissioner of the United States to China, 

Peking, March 13, 1901. 

Sir: I have the honor to inform you that the diplomatic corps met 
to-day to continue the work begun at its meeting of yesterday. 

Before taking up the question of indemnities, the representatives 
adopted a draft of a letter to the Chinese plenipotentiaries, presenting, 
in compliance with terms of the Joint Note (article 2, paragraph B), a 
list of the towns in which the examinations must be suspended during 
a period of five years. This subject will probably have to be discussed 
with the Chinese plenipotentiaries, as it involves a number of questions 
which can not be settled in a satisfactory way without having their 
views. 

The report of the commission on the interdiction of the importation 
of arms, etc., was read, but discussion was deferred until it had been 
more carefully examined hx each of the representatives. 

The report of the commission on indemnities was then taken up, and a 
lengthy discusssion began on each paragraph of it. This discussion will 
be continued to-morrow, when the report will probably be returned to the 
commission for redrafting. The substance of the conclusions reached 
will then presumably be communicated to the various governments 
for their approval. The conference will meet again to-morrow. 
I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant, 

TT. W. Rockhill. 



104 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 

Mr. Bockhill to Mr. Ray. 

No. 42.] Commissioner of the United States to China, 

Peking, March lb, 1901. 

Sir: The diplomatic corps finished to-day the discussion of the report 
submitted by the commission on indemnities appointed to prepare 
rules, or rather lay down principles, for presenting the claims of soci- 
eties, companies, and individuals arising oat of the antif oreign troubles 
in China of last year. The necessity for such a body of rules applying 
alike to all private claims had been unanimously agreed to by the 
diplomatic corps in its meeting of February 12 last. (See Proces verbal 
of meeting of February 12, pages 2 and 3, and also that of February 
16, pages 2 et seq.) The commission on indemnities was appointed 
on 25th of Februar}^, and submitted its report on the 13th of March, as 
I informed you in my dispatch No. 41 of that date. The classification 
was made after a careful examination of all the claims filed in the 
various legations. 

I inclose herewith a translation of the report as finally adopted ad 
referendum by the diplomatic corps. I will transmit the French text 
as soon as it -has been printed. 

No special reference is made in the report to missions or mission- 
aries, on account of the refusal of France to waive in any wise its 
claimed protectorate over Catholic missions and native Catholics in 
China. The French minister, however, declared that he was willing 
to accept, for purposes of evaluating mission claims, the principles of 
the report, though he reserved to himself the right to follow, as to 
categories, precedents established by treaties between France and 
China. In view of the above declaration, Paragraph IX was added to 
the report. 

As regards the paragraph saying that each foreign representative 
should fix the approximate amount of the claims of his nationals, and 
that the sum total of them would be asked of the Chinese Govern- 
ment without detail or explanation, it is understood that the accept- 
ance of this principle does not in any way prejudice the question of 
the final presentation of the indemnity demand on China, which has 
been reserved until the various representatives have received instruc- 
tions from their governments. 

As this paragraph follows, in principle, your wish that a lump sum 
covering all claims of whatever nature be demanded by the powers 
jointly of China, I had no reason to oppose it, though the examination 
in detail of all private claims by each legation will entail considerable 
loss of time and delay the final presentation of the demand for 
indemnity. 

The Russian minister declared that while accepting the principles of 
the report, he would, unless otherwise instructed, present his claims 
separately. He had made a similar statement to the diplomatic corps 
in the meeting of February 16. (See Proces verbal of that date.) 

Your views on indemnities and their presentation, contained in your 
various telegraphic instructions to Mr. Conger, had been made known 
to the diplomatic corps by him on February 16, and it had then been 
agreed that the various governments should be asked if they wanted 
to present the claims for war expenses in a lump sum with their other 
claims or separately. Answers have not yet been received by all the 
representatives, but it seems probable that a general lump sum will be 



REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 105 

asked for. In this connection I refer you to the note written by the 
Japanese minister to the conference on February 16. (See Proces 
verbal of that date.) You will also note that the representatives were 
of opinion that it was better to ascertain the total amount of the 
indemnity before discussing the question of China's ability to pay it. 

I have carefully gone over the report of the commission on indem- 
nities, in the preparation of which I assisted, and do not think that 
any of the principles will prejudice claims of American citizens, if all 
are similar to those now on file in this legation. On the other hand, I 
believe that by adopting certain principles for assessing claims, the 
total amount which China will have ultimately to pay will be consid- 
erably reduced. 

The general commanding the French forces, having stated that all the 
proceeds of the sale of Chinese salt seized by his troops at Tientsin 
would be credited to China on the amount of indemnity for war 
expenses, the question of crediting China with all the governmental 
treasure and other property not usually regarded as prize of war 
which has been seized by the foreign troops was brought up before 
the conference, when it had disposed of the report on indemnities. 
The Russian, British, and several other ministers stated that they 
accepted such restitution in principle, and it was agreed that all 
should ask the views of their governments on the subject. 

The conference next heard the report prepared by the commission 
appointed to consider the demand embodied in Article IV of the Joint 
Note, relating to expiatory monuments in the desecrated foreign ceme- 
teries. The commission recommended that 10,000 taels be asked for 
each monument in each cemetery desecrated in Peking, and 5,000 taels 
for each one of those in the provinces, this sum not to prejudice claims 
for material losses sustained in such cemeteries. The report was 
accepted, and it was agreed that a note should be sent the Chinese 
plenipotentiaries embodying the above demand. The meeting then 
adjourned to meet on the 18th to discuss the report prepared by the 
commission on the prohibition of the importation of arms and mate- 
rials of war into China. 

At the conclusion of the meeting I sent you the telegram which 1 
confirm. 

I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant, 

W. W. ROCKHILL. 



[Inclosure No. 1, dispatch No. 42.— Translation.] 
Report of the commission on indemnities. 

Article VI of the collective note provides: 

"Equitable indemnities for governments, societies, companies, and private indi- 
viduals, as well as for Chinese who have suffered during the recent events in their 
persons or property in consequence of their being in the service of foreigners." 

The representatives of the powers have delegated the ministers of Germany, Bel-" 
gium, Netherlands, and the plenipotentiary of the United States of America to eluci- 
date this article and to lay down principles to serve as a common basis for estimating 
and assessing claims for indemnity to be presented to the Chinese Government. 

The commission on indemnities has attempted to effect a double purpose, first, to 
insure an equitable indemnity to those who have been injured, and second, to prevent 
the antiforeign movement of 1900 being made use of under any circumstances as a 
pretext for illegal gain or profit. 

The commission after having studied the draft classification of indemnities com- 
municated to the diplomatic corps by the French, British, and Japanese ministers, 



106 EEPOET OF COMMISSION EE TO CHINA. 

respectively, and after examination of all the instances which have been brought to 
its notice, proposes the following resolutions for adoption: 

I. Damages, shall not be claimed except in cases which are immediate and direct 
consequences of the antiforeign movement which occurred in 1900. 

II. Indemnity claims may be classified under three principal headings: 

a. Indemnities to governments. 

b. Indemnities to societies, companies, and private persons. 

c. Indemnities to Chinese in the service of foreigners. 

III. (1) The commission considers that the cases specified below constitute an 
immediate a"nd direct consequence of the events of 1900. 

To governments: 

A. War expenditure, which includes indemnities for members of the legation 
guard who were killed, wounded, or were subjected to cruel treatment. 

(The commission on indemnities has not been empowered to deal with the above.) 

B. Buildings of legations and consulates destroyed or damaged, taking into account 
new requirements, being an immediate and direct consequence of the above events, 
inclusive of temporary housing and repairs, expert survey for determining the amount 
of damages, etc. 

Furniture and all property belonging to the Government. 

Furniture and private property belonging to the staff of the legations and consu- 
lates. 
To societies, companies, and private individuals. 

A. Societies and companies. — Buildings and other property which have been 
destroyed or damaged belonging to societies and companies in Peking, Tientsin, or 
elsewhere, including temporary housing and repairs, expert surveys for determining 
amount of damages, etc. 

B. Industrial undertakings. — Direct losses suffered by industrial undertakings, 
works commenced, wasted, or susx>ended. 

C. Merchants. — Private property of merchants. 

Real estate destroyed or damaged, including temporary housing and repairs, 
expert surveys for determining amount of damages, etc. 

Furniture. 

Usual and inevitable salary of employees whose services could not be turned to 
account. 

Unavoidable office expenses not made good in consequence of the events. 

Stock in trade, goods, provisions, samples possessing pecuniary value, destroyed or 
deteriorated. 

Extraordinary cost of storage and reshipment. 

Debts recognized as valid which can no longer be recovered. 

Bank notes lost or which can not be cashed. 

Specie, bills payable at sight. 

Broken contracts of all descriptions, losses suffered in consequence of the nonex- 
ecution of contracts entered into for articles of exportation or importation. 

Deposits of money in telegraph offices or in banks. Advances to Chinese mer- 
chants who have become insolvent in consequence of the events. 

Extraordinary cost of insurance rendered necessary by the events referred to. 

Goods requisitioned for foreign troops for defensive works. 

D. Private individuals. — Ileal estate destroyed or damaged. 

Broken contracts of every description, losses through nonexecution of contracts. 

Articles destroyed or disappeared in consequence of the troubles. 

Furniture, personal effects, jewelry, specie, bank notes which can not be cashed, 
objets d'art, pictures, photographs and family portraits only if of artistic value, 
knickknacks, books, collections memaires and letters and documents (calculated 
according to their salable value), manuscripts and materials collected for the publi- 
cation of books (conditionally on the real value being proved), plans and instru- 
ments, provisions, wines, animals, and various materials. 

Articles destroyed or lost in pawn shops, deduction being made of advances 
received on such articles. 

Rents not recoverable or rents paid in advance, where occupation was prevented 
in consequence of the events. 

Deposits of money in telegraph offices or in banks. 

Journeys to the nearest place of safety. 

Wounds or cruel treatments entailing' the death of the breadwinner, incapacity for 
work, or direct loss of money. 

To Chinese in the service of foreigners: 

Indemnities to Chinese who have suffered in their property or persons in conse- 
quence of their being in service of foreigners, including indemnities to the widows 



REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 107 

and orphans of Chinese who have lost their lives during the course of recent events 
by reason of their being in the service of foreigners. 

(II) The commission considers that the cases specified below ought not to be con- 
sidered as an immediate and direct consequence of the events of 1900. 

To merchants: 

Losses of earnings resulting from the interruption of business or from the disturbed 
state of commerce at Peking, Tientsin, and elsewhere. 

Bills payable at deferred sight of a risky character. 

Goods belonging to Chinese intended for export on their way from the interior 
with transit passes. 

Telegrams, insurance charges, and other ordinary expenses of this nature. 

Interest on goods in stock. 

Loss of interest on exchange contracts with banks. 

Goods in transit belonging to Chinese. 

Increased freight charges except in the case of contracts entered into before the 
events. 

Commission to be earned on future contracts. 

Depreciation of value on millinery and similar articles. 

Fluctuation of exchange. 

Ordinary insurance of goods sold but not delivered. 

Losses caused by the interruption of banking operations during the trouble. 

Eemuneration to employees to compensate them for sufferings undergone. 

Hotel guests who have failed to pay their bills. 

Loss of customers generally. 

Value of sites the buildings on which have been destroyed. 

Depreciation of land in consequence of events. 

Negotiable instruments not met, unless the real damage done can be clearly estab- 
lished. 

Interest on loans. 

Money lent to Chinese, except in transactions when the security given was amply 
ufficient. 

To private individuals: 

Mental sufferings and injuries of any character. 

Illness, except in cases where it entails incapacity for work. 

Traveling expenses other than journeys to the nearest place of safety. 

Destruction of Chinese houses rented to foreigners. 

Loss of diplomas. 

Loss of customers. 

To Chinese: 

Chinese capital invested in commercial or industrial undertakings in association 
with foreign capital. 

To compradores, goods, being his personal property, which were lost in a godown 
belonging to a foreigner. 

IV. Claims for damages should in every case be addressed to the representative of 
the power which exercises protection over the claimant. 

Claims of an international character are to be addressed to the dean of the diplo- 
matic body. 

The representatives of the powers, after examination of the claims preferred by 
the persons under their protection, shall make an approximate estimate of the 
amount and shall demand the sum total without giving either details or explanation 
to the Chinese Government. 

V. (I) Damages shall be assessed as far as possible and in conformity with the 
above-mentioned principles, with a view to putting governments, societies, companies, 
and private individuals back in the position in which they would have been if the 
anti-foreign movement of 1900 had not taken place. 

The valuation of articles for which damages are asked shall be just and reasonable 
and in conformity with the real expenditure which would be necessary to replace 
them. 

(II) The amount of the indemnities can not in any case be augmented by interest 
at more than 5 per cent on personal claims and 7 per cent on commercial claims. 
Interest can only be allowed if it represents a loss actually incurred, and which shall 
have been proved in accordance with Article VII, given below. It will be calculated 
from the day on which the wrong entitling the compensation took place. 

VI. If societies or companies or private individuals have been required by the mil- 
itary authorities to furnish articles, furniture, real estate, or goods belonging to them 
for the necessities of common defense, the government exercising authority over the 
officer or officers who have signed such requisition or have certified to the correct- 



108 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 

ness of the bills shall be directly responsible for their reimbursement, with a corre- 
sponding right against China. 

VII. Proof of damage suffered shall be made to the satisfaction of the foreign 
representative to whom the claim is addressed, in conformity with the laws and 
usages of his country. 

The proof that the articles existed prior to the events which led to the claim 
being presented shall be furnished in every case to the satisfaction of the representa- 
tive of the power concerned. 

In examination of the different claims for indemnity for the loss of personal prop- 
erty it is desirable that the style of living and the presumable income of the claim- 
ant should be taken into account. 

VIII. The Commission considers that the indemnities should be calculated in 
Hai-kwan taels. 

IX. The Commission considers that the principles enumerated above should serve 
as a basis for assessing all claims for compensation, without distinction. 



Mr. Rockhill to Mr. Hay. 

No. 43.] Commissioner of the United States to China, 

Peking, March 18, 1901. 

Sir: The diplomatic corps in its meeting- held to-day devoted all its 
time to a desultory discussion of various points relating to the report 
of the commission on indemnities, which it had adopted ad referendum 
in its meeting of the 14th. 

The British minister having proposed to the meeting that, following 
the precedent of the Constantinople conference of 1896, the repre- 
sentatives should submit to the conference pro forma the amounts 
they proposed asking of China for each specific claim of their nationals, 
and also the amount of their claim for war expenses, etc. , the Austrian 
minister offered as an amendment that they should submit only the 
total amounts of each of the three categories of claims, i. e., state, 
companies and societies, private individuals. I then suggested as a 
further amendment that each power submit to the conference a lump 
sum covering all its claims, governmental, companies and societies, 
and private ones. This amendment was voted on, although at the last 
meeting the question had been reserved for future consideration, most 
of the representatives being without instructions. Six of the repre- 
sentatives, including France, Japan, and Russia, were in favor of my 
amendment, but the ministers of Great Britain, Germany, and Italy 
voted against it. Though the vote was an informal one, which may 
not affect the final settlement of the question of the presentation of 
the demand for indemnity to the Chinese Government, I deemed it 
sufficiently interesting to mention it in my telegram to you of this date. 

I still believe a lump-sum indemnity will be asked, and that we will 
be able to secure, in conformity with your wishes, a horizontal scaling 
down of the claims to within China's ability to pay. 

On my motion, the conference fixed the 1st of May, subject to the 
approval of their Governments, as the latest date at which private 
claims should be filed here. This will, in my opinion, hasten the final 
presentation to China of the indemnity demanded, though some of 
the powers seem embarrassed over the question of the cost of future 
military occupation in calculating their demand for war expenses. 

I inclose herewith a translation of a letter from the Chinese pleni- 
potentiaries to the dean of the diplomatic corps, read by him at this 
meeting, relating to the indemnification of Chinese residents in the 



EEPOET OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 109 

proposed diplomatic quarter. The draft of a reply was agreed upon 
by the representatives, and a cop} T thereof is inclosed. The question of 
the diplomatic quarter seems likely to give a great deal of trouble, and 
will not probably be settled for some time to come, though in the 
meanwhile the various powers are busy building quarters for guards, 
and new legations. 

I have the honor, etc., W. W. Rockhill. 



[Inclosure No. 1, with dispatch No. 43— Translation.] 
The Chinese plenipotentiaries to Mr. de Cologan. 

Peking, March 16, 1901. 

We had the honor to receive on the 15th instant your communication with refer- 
ence to the execution of Article VII of the joint note. 

(Quotes in extenso doyen's note of March 15, 1901.) 

In your communication of the 1st instant, transmitting a plan of the proposed 
legation quarter, you made certain remarks on the subject of the Chinese resident 
within its limits. 

On receipt thereof we prepared and sent you a memorandum, in which we stated 
that in the interest of justice steps must be taken to make good to the Chinese resi- 
dent in the legation quarter, who would be called upon to move elsewhere, the value 
of their land and their expenses of removal. 

Xow, what we meant thereby was that the Plenipotentiaries of the powers themselves 
ought, as a matter of course, to take steps to provide for any sums necessary to make 
good such claims. It is a fixed and abiding principle that he who appropriates land for 
his own use must pay for the same, and that he who calls on them to remove their 
dwellings must make good the expenses of such removal. In the present instance, as 
the legations wish to extend their boundaries, such Chinese as are resident within 
these limits must move elsewhere, and, as in your former communication it is stated 
that such area is reserved for the use of the legations, it undoubtedly follows that 
the legations are responsible for the payment of the value of the land thus appro- 
priated. Further, as the legations had called upon the present residents to quit, they 
put these people to the expense of taking down their dwellings and reerecting them, 
a process which is accompanied by inevitable loss of property and damage of various 
kinds. These losses being the result of orders to quit, the reimbursement thereof 
ought naturally also to be made by the legations concerned. 

It is now, however, proposed that the Chinese Government be asked to provide 
funds for this purpose. Taking all the circumstances into consideration we can 
hardly bring ourselves to believe that a proposal of this kind is in accordance with 
equity. 

As regards the request in the communication under acknowledgment, that an offi- 
cer be appointed to assist in the examination of title deeds and assessment of values, 
this is of a truth a just and proper method of procedure, and affords evidence of a 
really sincere desire to preserve the interests of the proprietor from injury. 

It is our duty in addressing to you this reply to beg you to consult with the Rep- 
resentatives of the powers regarding the question of refunding to the Chinese owners 
the value of their lands and expenses of removal, with a view to securing an acknowl- 
edgment of the just principle that each legation should itself take steps to provide 
the funds necessary for the purpose. 

When we shall have received your answer we will take into consideration the 
appointment of a delegate to join the committee elected by the diplomatic body. 

[Seal of Chinese Plenipotentiaries.] 

March 17, 1901. 



[Translation.] 

The Bean of the diplomatic corps to the Chinese plenipotentiaries. 

Peking, March 19, 1901. 
Highness, excellency: In a note under date the 15th of March, I had the honor 
to request you to designate a delegate to examine, with a commission named for that 
purpose by the representatives of the powers, the validity of deeds to real estate 



110 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 

owned by Chinese within the limits of the future diplomatic quarter. I informed 
you that this commission and the delegate you will choose would also have for 
duty to fix the value of the lots to be expropriated, so as to settle the damages which 
the Imperial Government would have to grant the owners of them. 

You answered me on the 16th of this month that it belonged to the legations to 
indemnify the Chinese who would be expropriated by them. You pretended in 
that communication that the pulling down and destruction of buildings which has 
been done in the diplomatic quarter were imputable to the legations, as was also the 
moving away from it of the inhabitants, who have been obliged to abandon their 
dwellings. 

The events of last year are still too recent for it to be possible to represent things 
in this light. 

Why did the Emperor of China, in accepting the joint note, grant the legations 
the right to put themselves in a defensive state, unless it was because they had been 
invested and besieged for two months, surrounded by regulars and Boxers, who 
pulled down several of them and destroyed by fire the whole quarter surrounding 
them? 

Who ignores that when the allied troops entered into Peking the whole section of 
the city which the powers demand to establish their diplomatic missions in had 
been mined and burned and was only a heap of ruins, the work of Boxers and 
regulars? 

It is the Chinese Government, declared responsible of these events by the powers, 
and which has recognized itself as such in accepting their conditions, that should 
bear the consequences of its conduct and to supply to the diplomatic agents, to which 
it has a duty to insure, the means of defense which it has rendered necessary in fail- 
ing to keep its first obligations. Among these means of defense figures in first line 
the removing of the houses which served as a place of refuge to those attacking the 
legations and the walls of which have shielded their attacks against the representa- 
tives of the powers. 

As, however, it would be unjust to deprive of their dwellings Chinese who have no 
responsibility in the affair, and who would as a result be victims of an event which 
they could not prevent, the diplomatic corps proposes to you to fix with it the reason- 
able damages which you will have to pay the inhabitants who can show good titles 
to their property. 

The diplomatic corps can only insist on its demand, and my colleagues direct me 
to beg you to designate, as soon as possible, the delegate who will put himself in com- 
munication with the commission which it has appointed. 

B. J. DE COLOGAN. 



Mr. EockUll to Mr. Hay. 

No. 44.] Commissioner of the United States to China, 

Peking, March 19, 1901. 

Sir: I have the honor to confirm my telegram to you of this date. 

It was written after a conversation with General Chaffee, in which 
he told me that he had received orders to begin withdrawing his troops 
from China, except one company to be left as a legation guard, by the 
end of April. 

In the present state of negotiations, when the question of the evacua- 
tion of Peking and the adjacent country, the occupation of the lines of 
communication with the sea, the razing of the forts, the defense of the 
proposed legation quarter, and a number of other important questions 
are still unsettled, though within appreciable distance of settlement, 
the withdrawal of all our forces would unquestionably place us in any 
discussion on these points in a position of great disadvantage with the 
other powers having large forces here — we would practically have no 
voice whatever in these matters. 

Furthermore, the powers with many troops would thereby acquire 
still further influence by taking over the part of the city now under 



REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. Ill 

our control, and be able to exercise as they might see fit pressure on 
the Chinese Government to obtain their particular ends. 

With even a small force of American troops here we can exercise a 
constant and salutary pressure on the other powers in the interest of 
the prompt reestablishment of order and the return of the administra- 
tion of this province to China; without them we will be able to do but 
little. 

The administration of the quarters of Peking under American con- 
trol has been excellent and gives satisfaction to foreigners and Chinese 
alike. 

1 submitted the above considerations to General Chaffee and a num- 
ber of other arguments along the same line in favor of maintaining 
here for at least the next few months a considerable force of our 
troops. I have also shown the general a copy of the telegram sent 
you to-day. 

I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant, 

W. W. Rockhill. 



Mr. Rockhill to Mr. Hay. 

Xo. 45.] Commissioner of the United States to Chixa, 

Peking, March W, 1901. 

Sir: The diplomatic corps in its meeting of this morning discussed 
the report of the commission appointed to consider the means deemed 
necessary for enforcing the provisions of Article V of the Joint Note 
(prohibition of arms and ammunition, etc.). 

The report, after being slightly amended, was adopted ad referen- 
dum and ordered to be printed. 1 will transmit a copy of it to you in 
a few days. It simply embodies the views of the foreign representa- 
tives as to the measures they deem indispensable to be taken, if the 
powers agree to endeavor to prevent the introduction of arms, etc. , 
into China. It seems to be highly improbable that any of them will 
be willing to accept its recommendations, as they conflict with a num- 
ber of principles of international law of great importance and are 
impossible in execution. 

The report provides for the enforcement of the prohibition for 
renewable terms of five years. The Japanese and Belgian ministers and 
myself were in favor of terms of two years, contending that it was pos- 
sible that within the first term of two years conditions might be such 
in China that it would not be necessary to any longer prohibit the 
importation of arms. The Russian minister, on the contrary, wanted 
the term fixed at ten years. 

It appearing urgent to the diplomatic corps that the question of the 
razing of the forts and military- occupation (Articles VIII and IX of 
Joint Note) should be settled at an early date, it was decided that 
before proceeding to consider them it was imperative that each of the 
powers should state whether it proposed to take part in the military 
measures their carrying out would necessitate. Each of the repre- 
sentatives agreed to submit the question to his Government in the 
terms of my telegram to you of this date. 

The German minister informed his colleagues that he had received 
from his Government the figure of the war indemnity it proposed 



112 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF CHINA. 

demanding of China, and he asked if the other representatives were 
in possession of like data from their Governments. The representa- 
tives of France, Austria, Belgium, Holland, and myself were the only 
ones who had received instructions on the subject. 

It was, however, agreed that it was necessary to take up without 
further delay the study of the financial resources of China for the 
payment of the indemnities, and a committee will be appointed for 
that purpose on the 22d instant. 

I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant, 

W. W. Kockhill. 



Mr. Rockhill to Mr. Hay. 

No. 46.] Commissioner of the United States to China, 

Peking, March 00, 1901. 

Sir: The question of the presentation of the ulterior list of punish- 
ments for those officials and other persons shown to have taken a direct 
part in the massacres of last summer was brought to-day before the 
diplomatic corps by the British minister, who, under instructions from 
his Government, is most pressing in his demands for its presentation 
to the Chinese Government. Prior to the meeting of the diplomatic 
corps the six ministers who had persons of their nationalities killed last 
year met to revise the lists of punishments previously prepared, and 
on which figure 10 demands for capital punishment. This latter list 
was caref ullr gone over and the number of such punishments reduced 
to four, and for the other six the punishment was commuted into that 
which has been inflicted on Prince Tuan and Duke Lan. All the minor 
demands, amounting to about 89, and which figured on the first list, 
were maintained. The revised list was then submitted to the whole of 
the diplomatic corps and it was asked whether it agreed to transmit it 
to the Chinese plenipotentiaries. The Russian minister reaffirmed his 
declaration made previously that his Government considered the ques- 
tion of punishments closed. All the other representatives agreed to 
send the' demand, but as some of them declared themselves in favor of 
sending a joint note and others identic ones, no final agreement could 
be reached, and they cabled to their Governments for instruction. The 
British minister, who expressed himself strongly in favor of a joint 
note, stated that in case this was not finally agreed upon his Govern- 
ment reserved to itself the right to present the original demands — that 
is to say, for 10 capital punishments — to the Chinese Government, even 
if it had to do so alone. 

As I telegraphed you to-day, I shall, unless otherwise instructed by 
you, vote in favor of a joint note. I am strongly of opinion that a 
demand for further punishments should be made on the Chinese Gov- 
ernment. In the first place, because some punishment should be 
inflicted on a number of guilt} r provincial officials. * * * I have, 
however, stated that I will accept any form of punishment agreed 
upon, and will in no case insist on death penahVy. 

The question of a demand for punishments having been for the time 
laid aside, the diplomatic corps took up the discussion of a set of police 
regulations for the diplomatic quarter. This contemplates the organi- 
zation of an international police, and provides for a number of measures 
which, under existing conditions here, seem to me most impracticable. 



REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 113 

I stated to my colleagues that if they would agree to call the section 
of the city which the Chinese Government has been asked to cede to 
the powers an international settlement and organize in it some form 
of municipal government I would agree to any proposition they might 
submit, otherwise that I must decline to agree to any arrangements 
such as they contemplated by the regulations under discussion. No 
action was taken. 

A committee consisting of the British, French, German, and Japanese 
ministers was then appointed to consider the financial resources of 
China, with a view to the payment of the indemnity which will be 
demanded. The conference then adjourned sine die, but will probably 
meet about the middle of next week. 

I confirm my telegram to you of this date. 

1 have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant, 

W. W. Rockhill. 



Mr. Rockliill to Mr. Hay. 

No. 50.] Commissioner of the United States to China, 

Peking, March 28, 1901. 

Sir : 1 have the honor to transmit herewith, for your information, 
two memoranda, one prepared by Sir Ernest Satow, British minister 
to China, the other by Sir Robert Hart, and both bearing on the ques- 
tion of the available revenue from which China could pay the indemnity 
which will shortly be asked of it by the powers. 

Some of the foreign representatives here are advocating in the 
strongest manner that China should contract a foreign loan for the 
payment of the indemnity. Though this would be the most rapid way of 
paying it off, it would also be the most expensive. It would inevitably 
result in establishing some form of foreign international financial con- 
trol, affect thereby the administrative entity of China, and conse- 
quently conflict with the declared policy of the United States. Though 
Russia is, 1 am given to understand, strongly opposed to China mak- 
ing a loan which would result, according to Russia's views, in further 
strengthening British influence in China, the powers are so anxious to 
be promptly paid for their military expenses, that I fear great pressure 
will be brought to force this country to follow this method in paying 
off her new indebtedness. 

The suggestions of Sir Ernest Satow and Sir Robert Hart's memo- 
randa, by which existing revenue only would be used to pay off by 
installments the indemnity, would be much better for China and the 
adoption of most of the measures they propose would contribute to 
bring about much needed administrative reforms, and ultimately con- 
stitute for the sole benefit of China, let it be hoped, valuable sources 
of revenue. For these reasons the measures herein advocated strongly 
commend themselves to me, and I have no doubt they will do so also 
to you. 

It has been rumored here of late that some American capitalists 
were willing to supply China with all the mone^v she might need in 
her present embarrassment, on condition that the administration of 
certain of China's present revenues be farmed out to them for an 
extended term of years. Any such attempt to secure control over 

S. Doc. 67 8 



114 KEPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 

the larger part of China's revenues, and thereb}^ over the Government 
of China, would be strongly opposed by all the other powers out here, 
and I think not unnaturally. So strong I think would be the opposi- 
tion that it seems to me it would be quite impossible to carry out this 
plan. The development of China's resources and improvement in her 
methods of administration will tend more than anything else to increase 
her commerce, and will, therefore, be ultimately much more beneficial 
to us and the world at large than any other plan which can be thought 
of for the settlement of its new financial obligations. 

I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant, 

W. W. ROCKHILL. 



Memorandum, 
[Translation.] 

We are without any indications as to the probable total amount of the indemnities 
which will be claimed from China, except such estimates as have been brought for- 
ward in the legislature of certain powers, but it seems reasonable to assume that the 
sum will not fall far short of £50,000,000 and may possibly exceed those figures. 

Assuming, however, for the moment that this round sum represents the total, the 
next question is how can this be provided for. 

Immediate payment or payment spread over a short period would meet the con- 
venience of the powers, but it is obvious that this is impossible without having resort 
to a foreign loan. 

It has been recently estimated that in order to provide only £40,000,000 in cash, 
China would, in the present state of her credit, have to contract for a loan of 
£55,000,000, and at the same rate for £50,000,000 in cash she would have to contract 
for £68,750,000. The amount she would have to provide for the first fifteen years 
( assuming the terms to be the same as those of the loan effected after the war with 
Japan) would be somewhat over £5,500,000. For the next succeeding fifteen years 
it would be about one-third less, after which there would be a still further diminution. 

This seems to be considerably in excess of what she could afford to pay without 
increasing taxation to a burdensome amount or taking such a proportion of the total 
revenue of China as would drive the Government into bankruptcy. 

Mr. George Jamieson, at page 33 of his report (1897), estimates the total revenue 
at 88,000,000 taels, from which must be deducted nearly 22,000,000, being the foreign 
customs revenue, the whole of which is hypothecated for the payment of the exist- 
ing debt. This leaves 66,000,000 or £11,000,000, and according to the hypothesis of 
this one-half must be devoted during the first fifteen years to the payment of debt. 
To state this is to demonstrate its impossibility. 

Whether for the credit of China that of the powers can be substituted by some 
means or other I will not now stop to inquire, but confine myself to the question of 
what resources are available, which by improved methods of collecting might be 
made to yield more than at present without increasing the burden on the taxpayer. 

In Mr. Jamieson's report above referred to (p. 33), the revenue from the native 
customs is set down at 1,000,000, which (p. 30) he considers an absolutely insignifi- 
cant amount, and the inference is that if the returns were honestly made it would 
yield a much larger sum. Mr. Hippisley, in an address delivered before the Johns 
Hopkins University, in November last, put the actual revenue from this source at 
3,000,000 taels, and as he is a member of the Imperial maritime customs service it 
may be assumed with a fair show of probability that his estimate is more likely to be 
correct than that of Mr. Jamieson, who had not the same means of access to official 
sources of information. The same remark, however, applies to this larger estimate, 
namely, that an honest system of collection would produce a considerably larger 
amount. It seems consequently that to estimate the yield obtainable at 4,000,000 
taels would not be excessive. 

The next item of revenue which by common consent seems to be regarded as the 
most easily available is the salt excise. Mr. Jamieson puts this at 13,659,000 taels 
(p. 33 of his report), while Mr. Hippisley estimates it at only 12,000,000. It is, as is 



REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 115 

well known, capable of producing a much larger sum, which at the very lowest esti- 
mate may be put at 50 per cent higher, say 16,000,000 taels. But from two other 
sources of information, independent of each other, it appears that a surplus of 
12,000,000 taels is an equally plausible estimate of the gain to be expected from an 
honest administration. 

Thirdly, there is the item of the tribute rice sent to Peking from the south (p. 6 
of Mr. Jamieson's report). The amount sent forward he estimates at 1,200,000 to 
1,400,000 piculs; the charges and allowance for transport cost the provinces a very 
large sum, which he estimates at 1,500,000 taels. 

According to another estimate the tribute rice amounts to 800,000 piculs, value, 
4 taels a picul. Forty per cent of this is transported by the Grand Canal, the charges 
being so high as to make the laid-down cost in Peking about 15 taels, while the freight 
on the remaining 60 per cent carried in the steamers of the China Merchant Com- 
pany is only 1J taels a picul. If the whole were transported by sea the resulting 
economy would amount to 9 J taels or 40 per cent on 800,000 piculs, or 3,040,000 
taels. Another estimate gives 300,000 piculs carried by steamer and laid down at 
6 taels, and 400,000 piculs transported by the Grand Canal at 15 taels, the economy 
effected by carrying the whole by sea would then be 3,600,000. The viceroys who 
dispatch the rice pay the freight in the first instance and deduct it from the propor- 
tion of the land tax which they remit to Peking. 

It should be explained that the " tribute rice" is rice purchased by the officials 
with money received in commutation of taxes in kind. The funds employed in this 
way reach from 3,360,000 to 3,920,000 taels according to Mr. Jamieson's estimate of 
the amount of tribute rice. The rice is eventually doled out to the Manchu banner 
men, who sell it for consumption by the poorer classes in Peking, realizing about 1£ 
taels a picul. No more wasteful proceeding than the foregoing could be imagined. 

If the money expended in the purchase of the "tribute rice" were kept in hand, 
and if to that were added the saving on transport, we should obtain a sum of about 
6,562,000 taels, according to Mr. Jamieson, or if the other estimates were taken, the 
result will be as follows: 

Taels. 

800,000 piculs, at 4 taels 3, 200, 000 

Saving on 480,000 piculs transported by sea 720, 000 

Saving on 320,000 piculs transported by Grand Canal 3, 520, 000 

Total 7, 440, 000 

700,000 piculs, at 4 taels 2, 800, 000 

Saving on 300,000 piculs transported by sea 600, 000 

Saving on 400,000 piculs transported by Grand Canal 4, 400, 000 

Total 7, 800, 000 

A further economy might be effected by capitalizing the pensions to Manchu sol- 
diers and banner men and issuing to them bonds bearing interest at 5 per cent. The 
official return for Peking alone is 5,760,000 taels, without taking into account the cost 
of the Manchu garrisons in the provinces. It must be remembered that these men 
are not of any use as soldiers. If the bonds issued to the recipients of these pensions 
were to the amount of half the capitalized value, this would for Peking alone effect a 
saving of 2,830,000 taels. The prohibition to engage in trade which affects them 
should at the same time be removed. 

To sum up, the minimum estimate gives — Taels. 

Native customs 4, 000, 000 

Tribute rice 6, 562, 000 

Salt 6, 000, 000 

Manchu pensions 2, 830, 000 

Total 19, 392, 000 

Maximum estimate: 

Native customs 4, 000, 000 

Tribute rice 7, 800, 000 

Salt 12, 000, 000 

Manchu pensions 2, 830, 000 

Total 26,630,000 



116 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 

As to the administration of these sources of revenue, it seems obvious that the 
native customs should be placed under the Imperial maritime customs. As to the 
others, the question of how they should be collected and paid over is a matter for 
future consideration. 

It may possibly seem that the foregoing estimates of available sources of revenue 
is too sanguine. What may be regarded as a rather pessimistic estimate is as follows: 

Taels. 

Native customs 1, 800, 000 

Tribute rice .- 960, 000 

Salt 2,400,000 

Total :..' 5,160,000 

Its framer proposes, therefore, that the present import duties should be raised to 
an effective 5 per cent, being at present only 3.17 per cent effective, and estimates 
the yield from this to be about 2,700,000 taels, while from duty-free goods, except- 
ing foreign cereals or rice, 420,000 taels might be obtained. This gives altogether 
8,280,000, or say, in round numbers, 9,000,000 taels. 

This would suffice, it is evident, for the service of a loan of £30,000,000 nominal, 
producing, say, £23,000,000 cash. 

If the present specific tariff "is to be brought up to 5 per cent actual ad valorem, it 
seems just and reasonable that a similar provision should be made with regard to 
land frontier customs duties. 

Ernest Satow. 

March 25, 1901. 



Memorandum concerning indemnity to be paid by China, 

1. What amount can China pay? 

2. What method of payment is most suitable? 

3. What revenues can most easily be taken? 

4. What control is advisable? 

1. What amount can China pay? 

(a) China has no reserve and can not pay ready money. 

(b) The amount required must therefore be taken either from the savings of the 
people or from the current revenues of the Government. 

(c) No statistics show the wealth of the people, but even admitting the possibility 
of finding the required sum in their hands and clearing off the entire indemnity by 
one payment, the attempt to collect it would unsettle every province and end in 
failure. 

(d) It is therefore from revenues payment must be made. 

(e) The latest statement of revenue and expenditure, compiled from what remains 
of the records of the Hu Pu board of revenue, makes revenue amount to about 
88,000,000 taels, while expenditure was said to require 101,000,000. More than a 
quarter of the- revenue was paid out for the service of existing loans, and as for the 
deficit or difference between requirements and receipts, it is still a debt; there are no 
funds to meet it. The appropriation of so much revenue for existing loans is in fact 
the cause of the deficit, for all such loan payments are deductions from the fund the 
Government relied on to meet the expenses of provincial and metropolitan adminis- 
tration. New revenues were not created to meet new expenditure. Accordingly, 
any further withdrawal of funds from revenue means an additional deficit, and the 
total deficit must then either become an increasing debt ending in national bank- 
ruptcy or be made up for either by additional taxation or by a mixture of that and 
economy in the use of funds. Economics are not easily effected, and as for new 
taxes, they are difficult to impose and do not at once pay for the cost of collection. 
Officials, official establishments, and governmental work generally will be embar- 
rassed by hasty or ill-considered attempts to economize; new taxes are never popular 
and give underlings opportunities for extortion; an official economy which would 
impair the efficiency of national administration and a taxation which would weaken 
either the productive or the consumptive power of the people are alike to be con- 
demned. These considerations can not be set aside when attempting to answer the 
question, What amount can China pay? For, seeing that the present revenue does 
not suffice for the ordinary work of Government, fresh taxes must be imposed to 
make up for whatever revenue a new indemnity will withdraw. 



REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 117 

(/) The items of annual expenditure may be classified in round numbers as 
follows: 



Taels. 

Provincial 20, 000, 000 

Military 30, 000, 000 

Naval 5, 000, 000 

Metropoli tan 10, 000, 000 

Banner men 1, 380, 000 

Palace 1, 100, 000 

Customs 3, 600, 000 



Taels. 

Legations 1, 000, 000 

River works 940, 000 

Railways 800, 000 

Loans 24, 000, 000 

Contingent reserve 3, 300, 000 



Total 101, 120, 000 

(g) Revenue receipts may be arranged as follows: 

Taels. 



Likin 16, 000, 000 

Native customs 2, 700, 000 

Maritime customs: General 

cargo 17, 000, 000 

Foreign opium 5, 000, 000 

Native opium 1, 800, 000 



Total 88,200,000 



Taels. 

Land tax 24,000,000 

Do 2,500,000 

Provincial miscellaneous 

duties 1, 600, 000 

Provincial miscellaneous 

receipts 1, 000, 000 

Grain commutation 1, 300, 000 

Do 1,800,000 

SaltGabelle 13,500,000 

(h) Taking the population of China at 400,000,000 and the revenue collected and 
expended at 100,000,000, the Government may be said to cost the people annually 
25 tael cents each. If these figures are to be considered net results, and a similar 
amount allowed for cost of collection and extortion — an allowance which is probably 
excessive — the result would still be a taxation of only 50 tael cents apiece. Japanese 
pay 7 silver dollars and Americans 15 gold dollars. It may therefore be said 
that whatever abuses exist, no people are more lightly taxed and no government 
more economically conducted, than the Chinese; but this is what Confucian teaching 
requires. On the other hand, it must be remembered that while living is cheap, 
wages are low; and that while, accidents apart, people everywhere have enough, and 
just enough, to live on, the national currency — copper cash — at the rate of 1,000 cash 
to the silver dollar, is so well suited to Chinese environment that in every market 
place a single cash can buy something. Therefore, although living is cheap and taxa- 
tion light, it would be a mistake to suppose that new taxation would meet with no 
objection and cause no suffering, while it is also a fact that to the ordinary Chinese 
mind relatively heavy taxation is distasteful as being, first of all, opposed to the moral 
sentiment of the country and also affording unscrupulous collectors opportunities to 
harass productive industries. 

(i) With these considerations in view, and bearing in mind the fact that experi- 
ence now shows that the Government, although in difficulties, is just able to support 
the deficit existing loans cause, it may be inferred that additional indemnity pay- 
ments, to be made up for by additional taxation, ought not to exceed present charges — 
that is, ought to be as much below 20,000,000 taels a year as possible, and ought 
not to exceed that amount; and this is my answer to the first question, What amount 
can China pay? 

2. What method of payment is most suitable? 

(a) Under the circumstances there is apparently a choice between only two, viz, 
for China to borrow the amount, or for foreign Governments to accept payment in 
annual installments. 

( b) If China appears in the market as a borrower, the banks will charge heavy 
commissions — the rate of issue will require to be low to tempt investors — and the 
public will be hard to satisfy in respect of guarantees and conditions. This method 
would prove a very costly one for China, and initial difficulties connected with 
guarantees and considerations would only increase with the delay discussion must 
entail. 

(c) If, on the other hand, foreign Governments would consent to accept the under- 
taking of the Chinese Government to make payment in so many annual installments, 
the transaction would be cheaper for China and the details could be more speedily 
settled. For instance, supposing the total of the indemnity principal to be £50,000,000, 
and China to undertake to pay 5 per cent on that amount for, say, thirty years, or 
£2,500,000 (17,500,000 taels) annually, the Governments concerned could either col- 
lectively or individually float an indemnity loan on their own account, and with its 
proceeds at once pay off the indemnities of Governments, corporations, and individ- 
uals. In this way foreign Governments and China would be mutually creditor and 



118 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 

debtor; monthly payments would be made to the banks as designated at Shanghai, 
and the banks could then surrender the Chinese bonds for monthly payments to the 
Chinese Government through the legations concerned. 

( d) Of the two methods, the second is the more acceptable from the Chinese point 
of view. 

3. What revenues can most easily be taken? 

(a) The maritime customs revenue is at once the simplest and the best known 
Chinese guarantee, but as it is already pledged for existing loans it is not on this 
occasion available as a collateral security. 

(6) The choice is therefore between the land tax, the likin, and the salt gabelle. 

(c) The land tax, although a staple asset, is remitted from time to time, when crops 
are damaged by locusts, droughts, inundations, or earthquakes, and, being thus vari- 
able, can not be relied on to produce the same amount every year. 

(d) Likin is a temporary tax which both the Chinese people and foreign commerce 
would gladly see abolished, and it would therefore be better not to pledge the Gov- 
ernment to continue it. 

(e) The remaining tax, the salt gabelle, is an unobjectionable item of revenue, and 
nothing more reliable exists. The net collection of 1899, according to the board of 
revenue's figures, was under 14,000,000 taels, but various inquiries go to show that 
15,000,000 might be expected, and that careful handling might even raise it to 
20,000,000. But it would be best to supplement this gabelle by the native customs 
revenue— that is, the dues and duties paid by Chinese junks, etc. The board's figures 
give the total net collection as something under 3,000,000 taels, but inquiry affords 
reason to suppose that at the treaty ports alone it could be increased to 5,000,000, 
while some think it might grow even to 10,000,000. Lest the salt gabelle and the 
native customs should fail to produce the full annual total required, it might be well 
to specify some other convenient items. For example, the Peking octroi could be 
relied on for almost 500,000 taels annually; metropolitan expenditure might con- 
tribute 3,000,000 taels from the Manchu allowances, and from 2,000,000 to 3,000,000 
more might be realized by abolishing the Peking grain tribute in kind. Thus salt 
gabelle, native customs, Peking octroi, metropolitan expenditure, and grain tribute 
could be relied upon to produce the first year a clear total of 20,000,000, and in a few 
years perhaps 30,000,000, and this is my answer to the question, What revenues can 
most easily be taken? 

(/) But before leaving this point it should be remarked that the revenue thus 
proposed to be set apart would be revenue deducted from funds the Government 
absolutely requires the use of for the current expenditure of the administration, and 
must be made up for by new or additional taxation in other directions. How could 
this be done? The matter has already formed the subject of several consultations 
between myself and Chinese officials, and the additional taxes proposed which find 
favor so far are a house tax, a stamp duty, and rearrangement of native opium duties. 
A house tax, to produce 20,000,000 taels a year, would be a charge of only 5 tael 
cents annually on each of the population, but it is likely that such a tax would yield 
several times that amount; that it would not be too heavy if fixed at a half month's 
rent, and that if made payable by all occupants direct to the yamen of the district 
magistrate the dishonesty or extortion of visiting collectors could be successfully 
combated. A stamp duty would also in time produce a considerable revenue. There 
are about 2,000 districts in the eighteen provinces, and it is estimated that each of 
these would use at least 1,000 stamps daily for bills, receipts, deeds, bank notes, pawn 
tickets, etc. ; if each stamp were sold for 10 copper cash, or one dollar-cent, the yield 
at that rate would be about 5,000,000 taels a year. As regards native opium, it is 
calculated that there are at least 150,000 piculs, or three times the quantity of for- 
eign opium, produced and disposed of every year; were the district magistrates 
charged with the collection of the duty, and duty fixed at 60 taels a picul, the col- 
lection, under improved regulations, ought to amount to'some 10,000,000 taels a year. 
These three taxes, properly managed, should yield a very large revenue and quite 
suffice to make up for the withdrawal of the salt gabelle, etc., from administrative 
expenditure for indemnity purposes; but although they would not fall heavily on 
anybody, the very fact of their being newly imposed would make them unwelcome, 
and under the circumstances their unpopularity would connect itself with their for- 
eign origin, and in that way cause some ill feeling it might be wiser to avoid. 

(g) There is, however, an alternative method which would give some relief, and 
which, therefore, under present circumstances seems worthy of consideration. When 
the foreign tariff came into operation forty years ago the haikwan or customs tael, in 
which duties were and are payable, was worth 6 shillings 8 pence English money — 
that is, 3 haikwan taels were equal to £1. Since that date silver has declined in value, 
and instead of 3 about 7 haikwan taels must now be given for the pound sterling. 
The principle on which the tariff was drawn up was to fix duties at the rate of 5 per 



EEPOET OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 119 

cent on values, but the result of the fall in silver is that instead of paying 5 per cent 
on value most goods now pay only from 2 to 3 per cent, while many even pay but 1 or 
2 per cent, and a further result has been that both the Chinese revenue has been a 
loser and the Chinese Government a sufferer. All this could be set right at a stroke 
simply by returning to the tariff value of the customs tael, and such a step would 
require neither revision, change, nor negotiation, a declaration by the treaty powers 
to the effect that the tael of the tariff means 6 shillings 8 pence English money, or 
its equivalent in any other national coin, and that duties must be paid accordingly, 
would suffice. The effect of this on the revenue of the Maritime Customs would be 
to increase the collection by from 10,000,000 to 15,000,000 taels, almost enough to pro- 
vide for the new indemnities, and merchandise would not be taxed beyond the 5 per 
cent rate on values. Such additional collection would be maritime customs revenue; 
it would not require any new machinery for its management, while it would be a 
simpler and more easily handled security than the others designated. 

4. What control is advisable? 

(a) The discussion of this point is, of course, outside my province. 

(6) But I may remark that the plan adopted under the Tientsin treaties for con- 
trolling indemnity payments was simply for the consuls concerned to repair to the 
custom-house at the end of each quarter and inspect the revenue statements. This 
was'a useful formality at the start, but it soon became a mere formality and had no 
special effect on either the accuracy of revenue statements or the payment of indem- 
nity money. 

(c) If the salt gabelle, etc., are specified as the guarantees for payment of new 
indemnities, I may point out that the simplest solution would be the extension of 
the present likin control under the 4£ per cent loan agreements to the salt gabelle 
generally and the incorporation of the native customs at the treaty ports with the 
maritime customs there established. The existence of two custom-houses at the 
same port occasions mistakes and causes friction, and the maritime customs staff 
could easily assume charge of the work now in the hands of the chang shui or native 
customs. As regards the salt gabelle, it should be explained that the Chinese prac- 
tice is to collect the tax at the place of consumption, and procedure is arranged 
accordingly. Any change would dislocate existing machinery, cause loss of revenue, 
and inconvenience both traders and public. Supervision of the kind already initiated 
would suffice, for the results of a four years' experiment prove that it works smoothly 
and adequately. The revenue pledged has been regularly forthcoming and there 
has been no default, and whenever any local delay has occurred orders from Pekin 
have at once rectified it. The amounts collected for payment of new indemnities ought 
to be sent to the banks monthly, but as collections vary from day to day the annual 
quota is the only one to be rigidly adhered to. 

Robert Hart, 

Inspector- General. 



Mr. Rochhill to Mr. Ray. 

No. 52.] Commissioner of the United States to China, 

Peking, China, March 29, 1901. 

Sir: The diplomatic corps held a meeting to-day to consider a num- 
ber of pending questions relating to the negotiations. 

The French minister submitted the following proposition to govern 
in estimating the claims for legation guards and volunteers, which 
were agreed to ad referendum: 

As regards killed or wounded soldiers, in case a claim is to be made on their 
account it shall be fixed at the sum of the pension to be paid said soldier or his 
family according to the laws of his country. 

As regards volunteers killed or having been wounded so as to incapacitate them for 
work, the indemnity to be asked shall be calculated on the position (situation) of 
said volunteer and the damage resulting therefrom to himself or his family. 

As, however, these classes of claims come under the heading of 
"Claims of Governments," according to the report of the committee of 
indemnities, I think these propositions are of no special value or im- 
portance. 



120 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 

The question was then put to the various representatives as to the 
acceptance by their Governments of the report of the Committee on 
indemnities, copy of which report was inclosed in my No. 42 of the 
14th instant. The representatives of Russia, France, Germany, and 
Holland informed the meeting that their Governments had accepted it, 
conditionally, of course, on its acceptance by all the powers. I stated 
to my colleagues that I did not expect my Government to express an 
opinion on the subject until our proposal asking for a general lump 
indemnity to be divided among the powers proportionately to their 
losses and expenses had been passed upon. This proposal I communi- 
cated formally to the diplomatic corps in a memorandum dated the 
28th of March. I inclose a copy herewith. 

The British minister then asked the meeting to agree to extend the 
limit of time for the presentation of private claims from May 1 to May 
14 next. This was agreed to with the qualifying words "sauf excep- 
tions justifiees." 

The German minister then proposed that the military commanders 
here be requested to prepare a joint report on the measures to be 
adopted for carrying out Articles VIII and IX of the Joint Note. 
Although nine of the representatives had been instructed by their 
Governments to favor a conference of the military representatives of 
only such powers as were prepared to take part with their forces in 
the measures adopted, the Russian and Austro-Hungarian ministers and 
myself having stated that our Governments, as signatories of the Joint 
Note, considered that they had the right to take part in the discussion 
of these questions, which had all a very important political side, it was 
therefore decided to invite all the military commanders here to bring 
about at an early date such a conference. 

I then read to the conference the report which I had prepared with 
the Japanese minister as to the reforms to be introduced into the office 
of foreign affairs and the court ceremonial for the reception of foreign 
representatives in public audiences. The report was unanimously 
adopted without any important modifications, except the omission of 
the words Tsung-li Yamen as the Chinese name of the office of foreign 
affairs, which all the representatives, except the Japanese minister and 
myself, wish to have changed. 

I regret that it was not possible to carry out better the instructions 
contained in your telegram of December 31 last to Mr. Conger, in 
which you said — 

if not all on modern lines, it would be highly desirable to have a minister of foreign 
affairs who shall speak at least one European language. He should be in a position 
to take his orders from the Emperor. 

In view of the fact that the ministers who will, under the prince 
president, be at the head of the office of foreign affairs must be men 
of very high position in the state, wielding great power and having 
recognized influence, and that there is no one in China at the present 
time with such qualifications who speaks any foreign language, it was 
felt that to insist on your views would result, if adopted, in placing 
men of no standing or power in positions of great importance and 
responsibility. None of the men who have been sent abroad by China 
to. hold diplomatic positions— the only ones who know anything at all 
of foreign languages — have rank, influence, or strength enough to hold 
the position of minister of foreign affairs and fight with any chance 



EEPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. - 121 

of success the battle of reform which must shortly begin here and in 
which they must take a leading part. 

In view of the above considerations, it was deemed advisable to only 
recommend that at least one of the two vice-ministers which the powers 
seek to have appointed shall know some foreign language. Some of 
China's diplomatic representatives abroad might fill these positions 
very advantageously, and later on perhaps become ministers in the 
office of foreign affairs. 

I inclose copy of the report as it was finally accepted by the 
conference. 

After disposing of this work the meeting adjourned. 
I am, sir, your obedient servant, 

W. W. ROCKHILL. 



Memorandum. 
[Translation.] 

The Government of the United States is of opinion that the amount of the indem- 
nity to be demanded by the powers of China should be as reasonable as possible, and 
in no case exceed the power of China to pay. Whatever be the method by which it 
is computed this indemnity should be demanded of China in one lump sum, without 
explanation, specifications of reasons for the demand, or indication of the proportion 
asked by each power. 

If, however, the claims of the various powers amount to a sum exceeding the 
power of China to pay, they should be proportionately reduced so that the sum of 
the demand should not exceed the limit indicated above. 

If the powers accept this proposition, after payment by China of the sum demanded, 
an equitable fraction calculated on the losses sustained and the disbursements of each 
state should be allotted to each one of them, and each power should undertake the 
indemnification of its nationals. 

If the powers think that a settlement of the question of the distribution of the 
indemnity among them on the lines indicated above presents too great difficulties at 
Peking, the Government of the United States proposes that it shall be submitted to 
the Arbitral Tribunal of The Hague. 

In other words, the Government of the United States proposes to the powers to fix 
among themselves a reasonable sum as a lump indemnity, to demand it without 
details or explanations of China, and to divide it afterwards among the powers 
proportionately to their losses and disbursements. 

W. W. ROCKHILL. 

Peking, March 28, 1901. 



Report of the commission on the reform of the Office of Foreign Affairs and on the modifica- 
tion of court ceremonial. 

[Translation.] 

Article XII of the joint note provides: 

"The Chinese Government undertakes to reform the Office of Foreign Affairs and 
to modify the court ceremonial concerning the reception of the foreign representatives 
in the sense w r hich the powers shall indicate." 

The representatives of the powers have charged the Minister of Japan, the Pleni- 
potentiary of the United States, who with their sanction have added the Counselor 
of the German legation, to submit a report on the reforms which they consider 
indispensable to attain the end which the powers had in view in imposing this 
demand on China. 



As to the reform of the Office of Foreign Affairs, the commission is of opinion that 
to put this bureau in a better condition to promptly and regularly transact its busi- 
ness it would be necessary to place in it a small number of personages of high rank 



122 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 

and having unquestionable power and influence with the central government. To 
them should be intrusted by the Emperor the exclusive conduct of direct relations 
with the foreign representatives. These personages should be directly responsible to 
the Emperor for their actions and consequently be members of the cabinet of the 
Emperor (Chun-Chi Chu), or have free access to him as a result of their high rank 
in the state. 

The commission consequently recommends that at the head of the Office of 
Foreign Affairs there should be a Prince (Ch'in Wang), with the title of President of 
the Office of Foreign Affairs. 

As it is presumable that the other duties of the Prince President will prevent him 
devoting all his time to the duties of the Office of Foreign Affairs, the commission is 
of opinion that under him there should be two ministers (Ta Chen) , members of the 
Chim-Chi Chu, who could take his place in case of absence, and who would have all 
the necessary authority to transact all current business. 

These three high officials only would carry on direct relations with the representa- 
tives of the powers and receive the foreign ministers for that purpose. 

It is understood that these three high officials would either singly or collectively 
receive the representatives of the powers and transact business with them. 

Although it would be desirable that the above-mentioned personages should have 
personal knowledge of foreign affairs and of the methods now generally followed by 
all nations of the world in conducting public business, in provision, however, of their 
lack of experience, the commission recommends that there should be in the Office of 
Foreign Affairs two Vice-Ministers, who from their personal experience would be able 
to place the administration of the office in greater harmony than at present with the 
methods obtaining abroad. One of them at least should know a foreign language. 

The commission is of opinion that, with the modifications enumerated above, the 
transaction of diplomatic affairs with the Office of Foreign Affairs would become 
easier, more regular, and more rapid. 

II. 

Concerning the modification of Court ceremonial relating to the reception of the 
foreign representatives the commission has only deemed it its duty to consider the 
question of public or solemn audiences. 

The commission is of opinion that the annual audiences given the diplomatic corps 
by the Emperor should take place in the T'ai-ho Tien, and that those which may be 
given from time to time to a single representative should be in the Chien-Ching Kung. 

In every case the Emperor should receive the representatives standing and speak 
directly to them. 

On the first audience to present his letter of credence or in the case of the presen- 
tation of a letter of the head of his State, an Imperial sedan chair and a guard of 
honor should be sent by the Emperor to take the representative at his residence and 
conduct him to the Imperial palace. The representative should be taken back there- 
from with the same ceremony. In these audiences the representative should pass, 
until he has presented his letters, by the central doors; on leaving the audience he 
should comply with the custom already established in this respect. 

The Emperor should receive directly in his own hands the letters which the rep- 
resentatives of the powers may have to present to him. 

As regards the banquets which may be offered by the Emperor to the diplomatic 
corps, these should be in the Chien-Ching Kung, and the Emperor should assist in 
person. 

In going to solemn audiences the representatives of the powers should be carried 
in their sedan chairs to in front of the hall in which the Emperor is to receive them; 
they should take their departure in the same way. 

Such are the principal points on which the commission is of opinion that it would 
be proper to insist, so that the Court ceremonial relating to the reception of foreign 
representatives should comply with the established usages between independent and 
equal nations. 

The ceremonial details not mentioned here which may develop in the settlement 
of this question should all be incorporated in the protocol which will be prepared 
with the Chinese plenipotentiaries. 

JUTARO KoMURA. 
W. W. KOCKHILL. 

Baron von der Goltz. 
Peking, March 29, 1901. 



EEPOET OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 123 

Mr. RockhiU to Mr. Hay. 

No. 54.] Commissioner of the United States to China, 

Peking, China, April 2, 1901. 

Sir: I have the honor to inform you that the list of punishments to 
be inflicted on officials and other persons in the provinces guilty of 
active participation in the murder and cruel treatment of foreigners 
during the antiforeign movement of last year was sent to the Chinese 
plenipotentiaries yesterday. I inclose herewith a translation of the 
joint note, signed by all the representatives except the Russian, 
accompanying the list. A second list of persons whose guilt should 
be inquired into by the Chinese Government was also forwarded with 
the note. 

The four demands for capital punishment were necessitated by the 
following facts: 

1. Pai Ch'ang, district magistrate of Yang-chu Hsien in Shan-hsi, 
was the chief instrument of Yti Hsien in carrying out the treacherous 
murder of over 40 foreigners — men, women, and children — atT'ai-yuan 
Fu on or about the 9th of July, 1900. 

2. Cheng Wen-ch'i, acting taotai of Kuei-hua Ch'eng in Shan-hsi; 
guilty of the murder of Capt. Watts Jones, Bishop Hamer, and other 
missionaries. 

3. Chou Chih-te, captain of the city guard at Ch'ii Chou in Che- 
kiang. He took a leading part in the massacre of foreigners there on 
the 21st, 22d, and 23d of July, 1900. Not only did he plan the attack 
on the missionaries, but he led the murderers in person. 

4. Wen Hsing, district magistrate of Luan-ping Hsien in Chih-li. 
He ordered his soldiers to bury alive a Roman Catholic priest. The 
body was afterwards dug up and thrown into the river by his orders. 
Later it was recovered by the converts and buried, but he had it 
exhumed and again thrown into the river. 

The other punishments demanded are: 

Sentence of death, to be commuted to perpetual exile.. _.. 11 

Exile for life . . . 13 

Imprisonment for life .__ 4 

Imprisonment for a term of years _ 2 

Cashiered for life , 58 

Censure ... 2 

Posthumous degradation _ 2 

The total number of punishments demanded amounts to 9G. 1 „ 
I have the honor, etc. , 

W. W. ROCKHILL. 



[Inclosure with di patch No. 54.— Translation.] 

Peking, March 28, 1901. 

Your Highness and Your Excellency: You have been informed on several 
occasions, and particularly at the meeting which you had on the 5th of February 
with the representatives of the powers, that the names of the officials guilty of 
crimes committed in the provinces would be transmitted to you, together with the 
punishments which it would be proper to inflict on these officials, in accordance 
with article 2 of the Joint Note. 

The undersigned plenipotentiaries have therefore the honor to communicate to 
you herewith, firstly, a list of the officials whose guiltiness they consider estab- 
lished and for whom they designate the punishments to be inflicted; secondly, a 
list of the officials who have been reported to them as seriously implicated, but 
concerning whom they do not possess sufficient information, and on whose cases 
they ask that the Chinese Government shall make an inquest. 

1 See Mr. Rockhill to Mr. Hay, No. 107, of June 5, 1901, p. 192 et seq. 



124 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 

The undersigned plenipotentiaries expect that you will request without delay, 
of the Throne, to terminate finally this affair, decrees in conformity with the 
demands which they address you. They think that without waiting for results of 
the inquest, which the Chinese Government should institute as rapidly as possible' 
it would be proper to have posted throughout the Empire, in conformity with the 
terms of Article X of the Joint Note, edicts stating the punishments which have 
been inflicted. This will assist in giving more prompt satisfaction to the requests 
made by your highness and your excellency, the examination into which has been 
adjourned until Articles II and X of the above-mentioned note have been complied 
with. 

(Signed by all the plenipotentiaries, with the exception of the Russian.) 



Mr. Rockhill to Mr. Hay. 

No. 56.] Commissioner of the United States to China, 

Peking, April 4, 1901. 
Sir: I have the honor to transmit herewith for your information 
copy of a letter addressed by me to Major-General Chaffee, suggesting 
that he help bring about a conference of the military commanders 
here for the purpose of preparing a joint report on the means neces- 
sary for carrying out Articles VIII and IX of the Joint Note of Decem- 
ber 24, 1900. 
I inclose also General Chaffee's reply to the same. 
I have the honor, etc. 

W. W. Rockhill. 



[Inclosure No. 1 with dispatch No. 56.] 

Mr. Rockhill to General Chaffee. 

Peking, April 2, 1901, 

Sir: The governments participating in the present negotiations having conferred 
together on the advisability of "the various commanders in chief of the military 
forces now in northern China preparing jointly a plan for carrying out the provi- 
sions of Articles VIII and IX of the Joint Note, I have been instructed by the Secre- 
tary of State that the United States, as one of the signatories of said note, shou d, in 
his opinion, join, through its military representative. in determining the measures 
which the carrying out of said article may comport, and in which we reserve the 
right subsequently to participate. 

In view of the above instructions I have the honor to suggest that in my opinion 
it seems highly desirable that such conference of the military commanders be held 
at the very earliest date practicable, and I would be greatly pleased if you would 
use your inf uence to bring it about. 

lam, etc., W. W. Rockhill. 



[Inclosure No. 2 with dispatch No. 56.] 

General Chaffee to Mr. Rockhill. 

Headquarters China Relief Expedition, 

Peking, China, April 3, 1901. 
Sir: Referring to your communication of the 2d instant, I have the honor to 
inform you that a conference of the commanders of the various contingents of the 
cooperating forces in China is to be held at the Winter Palace at 10 o'clock a. m.. 
April 6, 1901, to discuss the military measures to be taken under Articles VIII and 
IX of the Joint Note. 
I have signified my intention of attending the conference in person. 
Very respectfully, 

Adna R. Chaffee, 
Major-General, U. S. Army, Commanding U. 8. Troops in China. 



REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 125 

Mr. Hay to Mr. Rockhill. 

Department of State, 

Washington, April 5, 1901. 
Sir: I have to acknowledge the receipt of your dispatch No. 30, of 
February 26 last, reporting that you have agreed with your colleagues 
in the demand to be made of the Chinese Government for a tract of 
land in Peking for the diplomatic quarter, and that you have called 
their attention to the inadequacy of the area allotted therein to the 
United States. You also report that you have expressed the profound 
regret which this Government and people would feel in learning that 
any of the powers should have found it necessary, under any circum- 
stances, to dispossess or in any way interfere with the foreign maritime- 
customs staff. 
Your action in the matter is approved by the Department. 
I am, etc., 

John Hay. 



Mr. Rockhill to Mr. Hay. 

No. 57.] Commissioner of the United States to China, 

Peking, April 8, 1901. 

Shi: I have the honor to transmit herewith for your information 
copy of a memorandum sent by the British minister to his colleagues 
of the diplomatic corps on the 4th of this month, iu which he reviews 
the present status of the negotiations and the questions which have 
still to be dealt with. 

The most important question is naturally the evacuation by the 
foreign troops of Peking and other sections of this province and the 
reestablishment of the regular Chinese authority. It has, however, 
been agreed to by all the powers that the evacuation can not be com- 
menced or any alterations made in the present mode of governing this 
province until, not only the total amount of the indemnity to be asked 
of China has been ascertained, but the securities for the payment of 
the same have been given and accepted by the powers. As on the 
other side it was agreed to extend the time for the presentation of pri- 
vate claims to the diplomatic corps here to the 14th of May, it seems 
hardly probable that the total amount of the indemnity to be asked of 
China can be ascertained even before the 1st of June. In the mean- 
while the occupation is costing China enormous sums of money. The 
estimated war expenditure of the various powers which are known up 
to the present date are calculated up to the 1st of May. After this 
date it is probable that unless a considerable reduction in the forces 
is made that the foreign military occupation will cost China at least 
$8,000,000 a month. The Chinese, on the other hand, estimate that, 
together with the loss of revenues, the foreign occupation will cost 
them close on to $30,000,000 a month, and I am inclined to believe 
they are not far from the truth. 

I have the honor, etc., W. W. Rockhill. 



[Inclosure with dispatch No. 57.— Translation.] 

Memorandum. 

The joint note demanding the punishment of provincial officials implicated in 
the murder of foreigners in the interior has now been delivered, also a note indi- 
cating the towns where all the official examinations have to be suspended for a 
period of five years. 



126 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 

With the acceptance of the conditions prescribed in these two notes, the execu- 
tion of Article II of the joint note of December 22 will be on the point of being 
accomplished. 

Of the edicts required by Article X, the first and the fourth have already been 
agreed to, and a commencement of placarding has been made. It remains to 
placard decrees enumerating the punishment inflicted and the names of the towns 
where examinations are to be suspended on account of the massacres or cruel treat- 
ment of foreigners. 

With the publication and placarding of the two remaining edicts in terms satis- 
factory to the representatives of the powers, the execution of Article X will be 
completed. 

In a note of the doyen of 26th January, and again in one of 6th of February 
(see extracts at end) , the foreign representatives gave the Chinese plenipotentiaries 
to understand that on these two articles being carried out they would be ready 
to discuss the military questions touched on in the Chinese memorandum of Jan- 
uary 16, namely, Articles VIII and IX of the joint note, relative to the demolition 
of the forts at Taku and elsewhere, and the maintenance of the free communica- 
tion between the sea and the capital, and also the question of the evacuation of 
the capital and of the province of Chihli. 

The complete evacuation of the province of Chihli is, of course, not meant, for 
Article IX of the joint note implies the continued occupation for a time of several 
points on the line of communication, amongst which Tientsin, Shanhaikwan, 
Tongku, and probably several others must be included. 

It seems desirable that the local judicial, civil, and police administration at 
these points as well as elsewhere should be handed back to the Chinese authorities, 
notwithstanding the continuance of military occupation, which should be limited 
to the performance of garrison duties. 

It may be hoped that before long some plan for carrying out Articles VIII and 
IX of the joint note may be framed by the military authorities and receive the 
approval of the powers which have troops in north China. 

The diplomatic body has appointed a committee to consider and report on the 
resources which China has at her disposal for meeting the indemnities which she 
will have to pay in consequence of the troubles of last summer and of the dispatch 
of military expeditions. This committee has already held several meetings, and 
will shortly be in a position to present a report containing its recommendations on 
this head. Consequently the foreign representatives may reasonably expect to be 
ready to enter upon the discussion of the foregoing subject with the Chinese pleni- 
potentiaries as soon as, if not sooner than, the latter are able to announce that 
Articles II and X have received complete execution. 

In approaching the question of indemnities with them, after satisfaction has 
been obtained on the points dealt with by those two articles, there might perhaps 
be advantage in intimating to them that if the attitude of China is satisfactory in 
regard to the initiation of the necessary arrangements, the allied powers will be 
ready to diminish the numbers of their troops. 

The first concession which the Chinese Government will be desirous of obtain- 
ing is the evacuation of the capital. With regard to Peking, it is to be observed 
that at present it is divided between the American, British, French, German, 
Italian, and Japanese forces, and that in each quarter there is a police commis- 
sioner invested" with extensive powers. Over all there seems to be a general 
council composed of military officers, but no official information has been received 
regarding its constitution and functions. Before the city can be handed over to 
the Chinese authorities it will be necessary to assure ourselves that they are 
prepared to preserve order and undertake the administration of justice and police. 
The same remark applies to Paotingfu, Tungchow, and such rural portions of 
the provinces as are evacuated by the allied troops. It is desirable that the Chi- 
nese civil administration at Peking and elsewhere should be restored before the 
evacuation takes place, so that no opportunity may be afforded for the Chinese 
authorities to give full proof of their capability "to carry on the local governments, 
failing which the withdrawal of the allied forces would have to be postponed. 

But previous to answering on this last question it will be necessary to proceed 
in the following order: 

lirstly. The representatives of the powers having expeditionary forces in north 
China must be agreed among themselves that the Chinese Government, having 
executed Articles II and X of the joint note, and given such other proof of their 
intention to perform its remaining stipulations as may be judged necessary, have 
thereby become entitled to have the question of evacuation taken into consideration. 

Secondly. The assent of the powers concerned must be obtained to the view 
arrived at by their representatives. 



REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 127 

Thirdly. The powers concerned must give instructions to the generals in com- 
mand to concert the necessary measures for carrying out the evacuation of the 
cities and districts mentioned. 

Fourthly. The generals concerned must acquaint the representatives of their 
respective Governments with the conclusions at which they have arrived, includ- 
ing the dates at which the evacuation will commence and be terminated, and all 
other details which it may be necessary to communicate to the Chinese plenipoten- 
tiaries in order to enable them to take over military charge of the cities and districts 
as each is evacuated. 

Fifthly. This information must be transmitted to the Chinese authorities, in 
order that they may be prepared to act on it. 

Each of these successive steps may require from two to three weeks for its com- 
pletion, owing to the necessity of so many diverse authorities being consulted, both 
on the spot and abroad. 

It is obvious that, as the period which must elapse from the commencement of 
the negotiation in question to the date fixed for the completion of the evacuation 
can not be estimated at less than three or four months, and may possibly extend 
to more, a sufficient int rval will be left to judge of the degree of good faith with 
which the Chinese authorities are acting, and to afford an opportunity of putting 
pressure upon them, if necessary, by temporarily suspending the movements of the 
troops toward the coast. 

Ernest Satow. 



Mr. Rockhill to Mr. Hay. 

No. 59.] Commissioner of the United States to China, 

Peking, China, April 11, 1901. 

Sir : I have the honor to confirm the telegrams received from and 
sent you on the 8th and 9th instant, respectively. 

As stated in the latter, j^our telegrams of January 29, February 19, 
and March 21 seem to conflict. The first named, sent to Mr. Conger, 
directs that "in case of protracted disagreement over the indemnity 
you will propose that the matter be submitted to arbitration," etc. ; 
the second, also to Mr. Conger, "if an agreement for distribution 
should seem impracticable at Peking without great delay, suggest 
Hague arbitration," and the third directs me to endeavor (1) to have 
the total indemnity kept within the limit of £40,000,000; (2) that it be 
demanded in a lump sum, proportionate distribution to be settled 
among the powers, and if such settlement is impossible to suggest 
Hague arbitration." Your telegram of the 8th seems to include both 
the amount and the distribution of the indemnity in the question to 
be submitted to arbitration in case of disagreement; but to avoid any 
possible misunderstanding I deemed it prudent to ask for explicit 
instructions on this point. 

In a circular memorandum which I sent to the various diplomatic 
representatives here on the 12th of March, copy of which was inclosed 
in my No. 52 of March 29 to the Department, I suggested that if it was 
found impossible to come to an agreement on the question of the dis- 
tribution of the indemnity in Peking the matter should be referred to 
the Hague Tribunal. 

I inclose herewith a copy of the declaration which I have to-day 
transmitted to my colleagues urging upon them the necessity of prompt 
settlement of the indemnity question on the lines indicated by you. 
This is, consequently, the third time that the United States representa- 
tives have made this proposal to the conference, and I will continue to 
urge it on every occasion, both in writing and orally. 
I am, sir, etc., 

W. W. Rockhill. 



128 EEPOET OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 

[Inclosure with dispatch No. 59.— Translation.] 

Mr. Rockhill to M. Pichon. 

Legation of the United States, 

Peking, April 10, 1901. 

Monsieur le Mtnistre: Referring to the circular letter of the 23d of March, by 
which the commission intrusted by the diplomatic corps with ascertaining the 
conditions under which the payment of indemnities which are to be demanded of 
China by the powers can be made, was pleased to ask of the representatives of the 
powers the amount of indemnity which their respective Governments proposed to 
ask of China, I have the honor, under instructions from my Government, and to 
complete the indications contained in the memorandum on this subject which I 
had the honor to send you on the 20th of March, to make the following declaration: 

The Government of the United States desires, as it has repeatedly declared dur- 
ing the course of the present negotiations, to see the powers agree without farther 
delay on a lump sum which they shall demand as an indemnity of China. As it 
can not be the wish of auy one of the powers that this sum of money should 
exceed the power of China to pav, it thinks that this indemnity-should not be 
superior to £40,000,000 sterling. 

This sum once paid by China should be equitably divided among the powers 
proportionately to their losses and expenses, and the United States is ready to 
limit its demand for indemnity to an equitable fraction of this sum acceptable to 
the other powers. 

My Government, I take the liberty of adding, is persuaded that the above-indi- 
cated solution of the question of indemnity is the only one which offers a prompt 
settlement, equitable and at the same time of such a nature as to prevent delays 
and complications equally prejudicial to all interests in the case. 

I would be greatly obliged to you, Monsieur le Ministre, if you would kindly 
submit this communication to your colleagues on the commission and to the other 
representatives of the powers in Peking. 

I avail myself, etc., W. W. Rockhill. 



Mr. Rockhill to Mr. Hay. 

No. 60.] Commissioner of the United States to China, 

Peking, China, April 11, 1901. 

Sir: I have the honor to confirm your telegraphic instructions of 
the 10th instant. 

Your instructions on the matter of fixing the amount of the indem- 
nity to be paid by China have had, and will continue to receive, my 
most earnest attention. 

As I have already informed you, I have stated to my colleagues that 
the amount of the losses and disbursements of the United States was 
$25,000,000, refraining, however, from saying that this was the amount 
we would demand of China. This I have deemed necessary in view 
of your oft-repeated instructions to insist, " whatever be the process 
by which the sum of the indemnity be reached," on the powers agree- 
ing to a lump sum of not over £40,000,000, to be, after payment by 
China, divided among them equitably according to the losses and dis- 
bursements of each, the United States being willing to accept as its 
share any just proportion of the said indemnity it might be declared 
entitled to by the other powers. 

5|5 5|C . S|£ 5jC SgS SjS 3|S 

The principal point is to get the total amount to be demanded of 
China within £40,000,000. Some of the powers appear to have 
calculated their losses and disbursements in a spirit of great 
moderation. * * * 

Another question which disposes me to follow the course I have 
taken and leave the subject of distribution of the indemnity for later 



REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 129 

discussion, is the urgency of getting the powers to demand an indem- 
nity, settle the question of guarantees, begin the evacuation, and 
reduce the enormous cost to China which the military occupation 
entails. The military commanders here agree that the evacuation of 
Peking and Paoting Fu must either be made before June 15 or post- 
poned to next autumn, the climatic conditions in summer not being 
such as to allow the moving of troops. IsTo time should therefore be lost 
in forcing the settlement of the indemnity question, to which I am 
entirely devoting, and shall continue to devote, myself. 
I am, sir, etc., 

W. W. Rockhill. 



Mr. Rockhill to Mr. Hay. 

No. 64.] Commissioner of the United States to China, 

Peking, April 15, 1901. 
Sir : I have the honor to inclose herewith for your information copy 
of a report made by the British special-service officer detailed to 
investigate the looting of the foreign settlement at Peitaiho in June 
last, in which is set forth the punishments meeted out to those per- 
sons found guilty of participation in said act. 
I am, sir, etc., 

W. W. Rockhill. 



[Inclosure with dispatch No. 64.] 

Maj, H. Gould- Adams, special-service officer, to the general officer commanding 

Third Brigade, C. F. F. 

Shan-hai-kwan, April 9, 1901. 

Sir: I have the honor to make the following report on my investigation regard- 
ing the looting of the foreign settlement at Peitaiho in June last, and all the 
punishments meted out to those found guilty. 

It being manifestly impossible to punish all those implicated, I sent for the head- 
men of all villages within a radius of some 20 li of the settlement. Having inter- 
rogated these, I informed them that within fourteen days they must point out to 
the officials those whom they considered as the most guilty parties and that they 
would be arrested, I in the meantime holding one-half of the headmen as hostages 
for the production of the offenders by the other half. 

In due course 18 men were arrested and their cases investigated by the magis- 
trate of Lih-yu Hsien, acting under my orders. Of these 7 were found to be guilt- 
less, and I accordingly discharged them on the spot. 

The charges against the remaining 11 may be summed up under the following 
heads: 

(1) Those who looted, applying the goods to their own us©. 

(2) Those who received the looted property. 

(3) Those who looted themselves and incited others to loot, with the idea of 
buying from them, and who made a large business out of it by carrying the goods 
away and selling them in towns such as Changli and Funing. 

Of the 11, some 6 belonged to the two former classes and the remaining 5 to the 
last. 

I thereupon instructed the magistrate that all must be punished in conformity 
with Chinese laws, and he accordingly sentenced the 6 as above to various periods 
of imprisonment (under Chinese conditions). 

The latter 5, he said, should be executed. So I told him to proceed in the usual 
way and apply to the viceroy, Li Hung chang, for the necessary sanction. 

In consequence, on Friday. 29th of March, I proceeded with the magistrate to 
see the execution carried out at Pei-tai-ho. 

Having arrived on the scene, all the headmen petitioned that two of the con- 

S. Doc. 67 9 



130 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 

demned, having hitherto led exemplary lives, might be spared. I agreed to this, 
having consulted the magistrate, and they were accordingly sentenced to impris- 
onment instead. 

The sentences on the remaining three were carried out. 

This disposes of all the cases tried; but still there are two men of wealth who 
live at Chang Li whom I have been unable to arrest as yet, and I am afraid that 
it will be impossible to do so, as, being well off, they no doubt are able to bribe 
freely. 

These men are perhaps the most guilty of all, and if caught they will be brought 
to justice; but at present, so it is said, their whereabouts are not known. 

I trust that theforegoing may be considered sufficient punishment (fines and 
any effort to recover property were precluded by His British Majesty's consul, the 
latter being, or its value, covered by the indemnity), and that the facts may be 
made known to all consuls to prevent any further punitive action at Pei-tai-ho or 
the posts of other powers, as I have intimated to the people that the matter may 
be considered as settled. 

1 have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant, 

H. E. N. Gould-Adams, Major, S. S, O. 
No. 271.] 
Chief of the Staff: 

Forwarded. A copy has also been sent to the British consul at Tientsin. 

A. I. F. Reid, 
Major- General, Commanding Third Brigade, C, F, F. 

Shanhaikwan, April 9, 1901. 

His British Majesty's Minister: 
Forwarded for information. Return requested. 



Peking, April 13, 1901, 



Alfred G-aselee, 
Lieutenant-General Commanding, C. F, F. 



Mr. Eockhill to Mr. Hay. 

No. 67.] Commissioner of the United States to China, 

Peking, April 16, 1901. 

Sir : Referring to the subject of the interdiction of the importation 
of arms and ammunition into China, I have the honor to transmit to 
you herewith a copy of the report of the commission charged with 
determining the measures which seem necessary for carrying out the 
provisions of this article of the Joint Note. 

I agreed with my colleagues in reporting these measures as neces- 
sary, hut, as stated to you in my dispatch No. 39 of March 12 last, 
I doubt whether any serious attempt is made, except, perhaps, by 
Russia, to carry it into effect. 

I am, sir, etc., W. W. Rockhill. 



[Inclosure to No. 67.— Translation.] 

Report of the Commission on the interdiction of the importation of arms and 

munitions. 

[Received by the diplomatic corps March 20, 1901.] 

[N. B. — The parts between ( ) were struck out by the diplomatic corps; the parts in italics were 

added.] 

The commission deems it its duty to call the attention of the representatives of 
the powers to the wording of Article V of the Joint Note concerning the interdic- 
tion of the importation of arms. 

Said article provides for "the maintenance, under conditions to be settled 
between the powers, of the interdiction of the importation of arms and of material 
used exclusively in the manufacture of arms and ammunition." 



REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 131 

It is beyond a doubt that, in the opinion of the representatives, it was stipulated 
to forbid the importation into the Chinese Empire: First, of arms; second, of 
ammunition for firearms; third, of material used exclusively in the manufacture 
of arms, and fourth, of material used exclusively in the manufacture of ammu- 
nition. 

So as to prevent the omission in Article V of the words ' : and of ammunition" 
after those of "interdiction of the importation of arms," giving rise to misunder- 
standings, the commission is of opinion that it would be advisable to clearly define 
in the future correspondence of the representatives of the powers the four classes 
of objects the importation of which is forbidden by the joint note. 

As the carrying out of Article V of the joint note depends much more on the 
powers themselves than on China, the commission deems it absolutely essential 
that all the powers having treaties with China should reach an agreement between 
themselves to maintaining in their domains the prohibition of the exportation to 
China of arms, of ammunition, and of material used exclusively in the manufac- 
ture of arms and of ammunition. 

The commission is of opinion that the enumeration of the objects whose expor- 
tation to China should be prohibited can only be made by the authorities compe- 
tent in the matter. 

(The list of the objects should be communicated by the Governments to the 
foreign representatives at Peking so that the latter may take) When the list of the 
objects shall have been agreed to by common consent by the Governments, the repre- 
sentatives of the powers at Peking shall take the necessary measures to preclude the 
possibility of their fraudulent entry. 

These measures can only prove efficacious if the authorities intrusted with carry- 
ing them out are given the right of seizure and of confiscation of the contraband 
articles and of the ships taken flagrante delicto (transporting contraband destined 
for China on discharging it) on arriving in China with contraband on board or 
unloading it either in an open port or on the coast. 

In the opinion of the commission, these authorities should be: 

1. The Maritime Customs, who should be responsible for all fraudulent impor- 
tation by a foreign ship into the open ports, who would have the right to seize any 
ship, as well foreign as Chinese, and its cargo, as well in the open ports as on the 
coast, and who would hand over the captured ships and cargo to the consul of the 
ship's nationality in the first port in which there was one, in case the ship is foreign, 
and to the consular body of the port, in case the ship were Chinese. 

2. The consulary body and the consuls who would have the right to lodge infor- 
mation concerning any attempt to land contraband, no matter to what nationality 
belongs the ship carrying the contraband destined for China, to the officers of the 
customs and to the other competent authorities (commanders of ships of war, con- 
suls at neighboring ports, etc. ) , to confiscate the cargoes and to prosecute before 
the consuls the ships captured and the persons taking part in the bringing in of 
contraband. 

3. The commanders of ships of war, who would have the right to seize on arrival 
the ships and the contraband and to deliver them to the first ship of war of the 
nationality of the ship taken in the act of unloading contraband or to the consul 
of its nationality in the neighboring open port in case the ship is foreign, and to 
deliver it to the consular body of the nearest open port in case of a Chinese ship. 
Ihe consular court ivho, in this case, shall be called upon to adjudicate shall be con- 
stituted on the lines of the court of consuls of Shanghai. This tribunal shall order 
the destruction of the contraband, the confiscation and the sale of the ship, the 
amount to be handed over to the maritime customs. 

(In the latter case the contraband shall be destroyed.) 

The commission thinks it necessary for the countries conterminous with China 
to adopt on their part the indispensable measures necessary for the interdiction of 
the importation into China of arms, ammunition, etc., by land routes. 

The commission is of opinion that a period of at least five years (the diplomatic 
corps divided on the figure of five years, adhered to only by a majority), should 
be fixed for the interdiction of the importation of arms, etc., with faculty of 
extending the term if all the powers agree thereto. 

Finally, the commission thinks that an Imperial edict should be issued and pub- 
lished in China forbidding the importation of arms, ammunition, etc. 

Michel de Giers, 
* Ernest Satow, 

W. W. Rockhill. 



132 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 

Mr. Rockhill to Mr. Hay. 

No. 69.] Commissioner of the United States to China, 

Peking, April 16, 1901. 

Sir: I have the honor to report that the diplomatic corps held a 
meeting to-day to consider the terms of a note to be addressed to the 
Chinese peace commissioners embodying the views of the powers on 
the reform of the office of foreign affairs and on court ceremonial. I 
inclose herewith copies of the notes which we agreed upon in sending. 

I presented to the diplomatic corps the request of the Chinese 
plenipotentiaries that the archives of the Tsung-li Yamen should be 
restored to them, and expressed the hope that my colleagues would 
agree to do so at once. This proposition met with no objection, but 
the German minister stated that he would not be able to have the 
yamen itself turned over to the Chinese, as it is at present occupied 
by troops of his country. 

The diplomatic corps also considered a letter from Field Marshal 
Count von Waldersee, reporting the conclusions reached at a confer- 
ence of the commanders of the various contingents here concerning 
the military measures necessary to be taken for carrying out Articles 
YIII and IX of the Joint Note. I inclose herewith translation of the 
letter of the field marshal, together with a letter to him from General 
Chaffee, correcting some errors, and the marshal's reply thereto. 

The conclusions of the military commission as to the military works 
to be razed under the provisions of Article YIII met with the objec- 
tion of the Japanese minister, who thought that the terms of the 
article only provided for razing "forts," whereas the commission 
has recommended that a number of other works, camps, arsenals, etc., 
be also destroyed. I agreed with my Japanese colleague, and availed 
myself of the opportunity to urge your views, that dismantlement of 
the forts seemed better than the razing of them, in view of the fact 
that military occupation by foreign forces of this part of China being 
only temporary, the Chinese, after its cessation, would be deprived of 
necessary means of defense against an enemy ; that as long as the 
foreign forces were here^ they could either occupy these positions or 
see that they were not occupied by the Chinese. Further discussion 
of the letter of the marshal and the answer to be made by the diplo- 
matic corps was reserved until the meeting to be held to-morrow. A 
general discussion, however, ensued on the question of evacuation, and 
on the necessity of promptly taking some steps which would tend to 
facilitate the transmission of administration from foreign to Chinese 
hands. 

All the ministers were in favor of mixed civil government as a first 
step toward this restoration of Chinese rule, except the German, who 
stated that his military authorities here were strongly opposed to it, 
and that they thought Chinese civil authority should only be restored 
in the various localities after the evacuation by foreign troops. The 
French minister expressed the opinion that the various generals 
should be informed at once that partial evacuation might begin with- 
out further delay, that the state of the negotiations do not justify the 
prolongation of the present strong occupation of many localities. This 
suggestion met with general approval, a qualified one only on the part 
of the German minister, who stated that he did not think this met 
with the approval of his military authorities. I availed myself of the 
opportunity to call the attention of my colleagues to the remark made 
by the field marshal in his letter of April 6, that if the evacuation 



REPOKT OF COMMISIIONEE TO CHINA. 133 

of Paoting Fu and Peking was not made by the loth of June it could 
not be carried out until next autumn, and urged that some step be 
taken to ascertain the abilit} 7 and willingness of the Chinese to pro- 
tect the life and property of foreigners, and that not a day should be 
lost, as the two months which still separate us from the middle of 
June was a short enough period to determine this fact. The- min- 
isters agreed to this, and several of them stated that, had they instruc- 
tions from their Government concerning the payment of the indemnity, 
it would be an easy matter to carry out promptly the evacuation, but 
unfortunately they were still without them. 

I shall endeavor to-morrow to bring the discussion on your proposi- 
tion of a lump sum indemnity, which it was impossible to do in the 
meeting to-day. 

I have the honor to be, etc,, 

W. W. ROCKHILL. 



[Inclosure No. 1, with dispatch No. 69.— Translation.] 
M. de Cologan to Prince Ching and Li Hung-chang. 

Peking, April 17, 1901. 

Your Highness and Your Excellency: The representatives of the powers 
have taken, concerning the modifications to be introduced into the court cere- 
monial, the following resolutions, of which they ask the execution, in conformity 
with Article XIII of the Joint Note. 

The solemn audience given by the Emperor to the diplomatic corps shall take 
place in the T ; ai-ho Tien. Those given to one of the representatives of the powers 
shall take place in the Chien-ching Kung. 

When a diplomatic agent shall present his letters of credence or a communica- 
tion from the head of the state by whom he is accredited, the Emperor shall send 
him an Imperial sedan chair and an escort of honor, which shall take him at his 
residence and conduct him with his suite to the palace, where he shall be received. 
He shall be reconducted with the same ceremonial. In going to these audiences 
the diplomatic agent shall pass through the central doors until he has handed in 
his letters of credence or his communication. In going away he shall comply 
with the usage already established. 

The Emperor shall receive directly into his hands the letters or the communica- 
tion which the diplomatic agents shall have to give him. 

In going to solemn audiences the representatives of the powers shall be carried 
in their chairs to before the hall in which they are to be received by the Emperor. 
They shall again take their chairs at the spot at which they previously left them. 

The Emperor shall be present in person at the banquets which he may offer to 
the diplomatic corps, as he used to do every year before the events of last year, 
and these banquets shall take place in the Chien-ching Kung. 

In a general way my colleagues declare that the court ceremonial relating to 
their receptions should be in harmony with the usages established between inde- 
pendent and equal nations, and they ask that the details concerning the settle- 
ment of this question, of which they confine themselves to pointing out the general 
features, shall be incorporated in a protocol drawn up with them and the plenipo- 
tentiaries of the Imperial Government. 

I beg your highness and your excellency to be so kind as to request of the 
Throne the necessary measures for carrying out these resolutions. 

B. J. de Cologan. 



[Inclosure No. 2 with dispatch No. 60.— Translation.] 

M. de Cologan to Prince Ching and Li Hung-chang. 

Peking, April 22, 1901. 
Your Highness and Your Excellency: According to the terms of Article 
XII of the Joint Note, His Majesty the Emperor of China agreed to " reform the 



134 EEPOET OP COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 

Office of Foreign Affairs in the manner which the powers shall point out to him." 
I have the honor to inform you by this dispatch of the resolutions taken by my 
colleagues on this subject. 

The fact being admitted that the Tsungli Yamen has during the forty years of its 
existence clearly shown that it is incapable of discharging the functions with which 
it was intrusted, the representatives of the powers have deemed it necessary to sub- 
stitute in its place, for the good of China and for the harmonious relations between 
the Empire and the foreign governments, an organization analogous to those which 
exist in other countries. 

They have thought it essential to give the future Office of Foreign Affairs all the 
guarantees of ability, of regularity, of promptness and wise administration, fail- 
ing which the former one has manifested its incapacity, and without which the 
new one could not fulfill its true object. 

They have not been less preoccupied with the desire to put in the forward place 
which belongs to it in the Empire a power whose mission it is to regulate, in the 
name of the Emperor, the questions which should occupy the first rank in the 
preoccupations of China. 

The representatives of the powers think in the first place that the functions pre- 
viously intrusted to the Tsungli Yamen were divided between a too large number 
of personages, and that it is proper to substitute in the place of responsibilities too 
scattered and ill-defined a more real and effective responsibility. 

They are of the opinion that the Office of Foreign Affairs should have at its head 
a single minister, with the rank, influence, and power corresponding with the 
requirements of his situation. This minister, who shall have the title of " Presi- 
dent of the Office of Foreign Affairs," shall be a Prince ( Wang) or ajduke (Kung), 
and shall therefore belong to the Imperial family. He shall have two assistants, 
one of whom shall be chosen from among the members of the Grand Council (Chuta- 
chi-Chu). and the other shall have at least the personal rank of President of one of 
the Ministries or Boards {Pu) . The three together shall have the exclusive charge 
of the direct relations with the foreign diplomatic agents. They shall each of them 
be given the salary and the dignities conformable with the high functions with 
which they shall be invested and in conformity with the usages obtaining in all 
civilized countries. 

They shall receive, either separately or all three together, the diplomatic agents 
who may have to treat with them in the name of their governments affairs con- 
cerning China. When the business is particularly important, and the diplomatic 
agents express the desire, the President of the Office of Foreign Affairs shall be 
personally present, either alone or with his assistants, at the interviews which 
may be asked of him. It is only on account of the probable multiplicity of his 
occupation and because his other obligations as a member of the Imperial fam- 
ily may prevent him from devoting all his time to the ministry that two col- 
laborators are given him. But in reality it is he who in the management of affairs 
has the proper duties and responsibility; it is only his name and his address which 
figure on the official correspondence from the diplomatic agents, and his two col- 
leagues who have rank and title less than he, have principally for duty to trans- 
act current affairs, though having, nevertheless, authority to take up the others. 

The name of " Tsungli Yamen," which recalls such unfortunate remembrances 
and which does not indicate sufficiently the importance and authority of the 
power to which belongs, under the responsibility and the orders of the sovereign, 
the highest functions of the State, is done away with. It shall be replaced, in 
virtue of an Imperial decree, by that of " Wai-wu Pu," and in the official order of 
precedence the Wai-wu Pu shail pass before the six Boards or Ministries. 

It is desirable that the three members of the Wai-wu Pu shall have as extended 
a knowledge as possible of international questions and of the methods generally 
followed in their settlement in civilized countries. So as to have from this latter 
point of view an additional guaranty, it will be necessary that under the orders of 
the three members of the Wai-wu Pu there shall be appointed, with the title 
of " Chief of Bureau," two officials, able by their experience and ability to place 
the department to which they are attached in more real harmony than was the 
Tsung-li Yamen with similar organizations existing in foreign countries. It would 
be equally desirable that one of these high officials should know a European lan- 
guage. 

Such are the conditions laid down by the representatives of the powers for the 
reform of the Office of Foreign Affairs of the Empire, and I have the honor to request 
of your highness and your excellency to please request of His Majesty the Emperor 
of China the necessary orders to have the same carried into effect. 

B. J. DE COLOGAN. 



REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 135 

[Inclosure No. 3 with dispatch No. 69.— Translation.] 

Field Marshal Count von Waldersee to Mr. de Cologan, 

Army Headquarters in East Asia, 

Peking, Winter Palace, April 6, 1901. 

Your Excellency: I have the honor to inform your excellency, as the doyen 
of the diplomatic corps, that, upon the wish of that body, as expressed to me by 
the German minister, a conference of the officers commanding contingents was 
held to-day to consider the necessary measures for the execution of Articles VIII 
and IX of the conditions of peace. I am authorized to communicate them to your 
excellency as follows: 

Article VIII: By the unanimous decision of officers commanding contingents, my 
proposition was accepted that the following fortifications, which, by their nature 
and position, might interfere with free communication between Peking and the sea, 
should be razed. 

(1) The military camp at south exit from Yang-tsun, if it is not required for 
the accommodation of the garrison to be left there. 

(2) The military magazine of Siku, Tientsin. 

(3) The yellow fort, Tientsin. 

(4) The black fort (citadel), Tientsin. 

(5) The east arsenal, Tientsin. 

(6) The two camps at Chun-liang-cheng. 

(7) The four camps at Hsinho. 

(8) All the fortifications at Taku, viz: 

On the right bank of the Peiho, the coast battery, with the camp attached to it, 
and the south fort of Taku, with its camp, and on the left bank the northwest and 
north forts. 

(9) All the fortifications at Pei-tang, viz, the south fort (fort No. 1), the cen- 
tral and north forts (forts Nos. 2 and 3), the two earthworks to the north of these, 
and the camps between the line of the forts and the railway. 

(10) All the camps at Lutai within a distance of 2,000 meters from the railway 
embankment. 

(11) The camps between Tangho and Shanhaikwan within a distance of 2,000 
meters of the railway. 

All the forts at Shanhaikwan threaten the railway and roadstead and should be 
razed. As, however, they are suitable for the accommodation of the international 
garrison to be left at Shanhaikwan, they should be retained for the present. 

The west arsenal at Tientsin, which is of no military importance, should not be 
razed, and the high mud wall, which lies in the Russian cession, should be placed 
at the disposal of the Russian authorities. 

Article IX: All the officers commanding contingents were unanimous in recog- 
nizing the necessity of maintaining permanently a strong garrison at Tientsin and 
Shanhaikwan-Chin-wang-tao, the garrison at Tientsin being fixed at 2,000 men of 
all arms, and that of Shanhaikwan-Chin-wang-tao at 1,500 men. Germany, France, 
Great Britain, Italy, and Japan will find their share of the garrison of Tientsin, 
and Russia and the above-mentioned powers, less Italy, of that of Shanhaikwan. 

Austria-Hungary will only leave small guards in Shanhaikwan and Tientsin. 

My further proposal to arrange for permanent garrisons at various points 
along the railway— Peking, Taku, Shanhaikwan— to secure free communication 
between the capital and the sea, met with full approval. Only the American gen- 
eral, Chaffee, was of the opinion that an occupation of Peking, Tientsin, and Shan- 
haikwan would be sufficient. 

It was decided to occupy Hwang-tsun, Lang-fang, Yang-tsun, Chun-liang-cheng, 
Tongku. Lutai, Tongshan, and Changli each with 300 men, including 50 mounted 
men, a few machine guns being left at each. 

The distribution of these garrisons at the various contingents was arranged after 
consultation as follows: Italy occupies Hwang-tsun; Germany, Lang-fang and 
Yang-tsun; France. Chun-liang-cheng and Tongku; Great Britain, Lutai and Tong- 
shan; Japan, Lanchou and Changli. 

It is to be remarked that the Russian general de Wogack, expressed the view 
that the occupation of some of the above-mentioned points might be dispensed with. 

The quartering of the troops in the various garrisons is to be undertaken by the 
contingent concerned. Each garrison will be responsible for the safety of the 
railway line to half way to the next garrison on each side of it. As long as the rail- 
way remains under military control the railway stations will remain occupied by 
British police guards. Every power has the right of leaving small lines of com- 
munication detachments at important points, such as Tongku. 



136 EEPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 

Between the present occupation and the permanent settlement there will be a 
transition period in which special measures must be taken. It was uniformly 
recognized as necessary that for this period the garrison of Tientsin should be 
raised to 6,000 men. The surplus of 4,000 men above the numbers of the per- 
manent garrison will be found by France, Great Britain, Japan, Italy, and Ger- 
many. During this period also the provisional government of Tientsin will 
continue in the exercise of its functions. The lines of communication stations on 
the Pei-ho, Hoshi-wu, Matou, and Tungchou must remain occupied. The time 
for the withdrawal of this reenforcement must be reserved for ulterior considera- 
tion by the governments, as must also the fixing of the date on which it will be 
possible to limit the permanent measures of security which have been considered 
above. It will only be possible later on to judge when this latter measure can be 
taken, and it depends upon the question of whether the Chinese Government is 
strong enough and shows an honest desire to take over itself the protection of the 
life and property of foreigners. 

The creation of a common commander in chief, both during the transition 
period and for the permanent occupation, is considered by all commanders of con- 
tingents as urgently desirable from a military point of view. It was also con- 
sidered as desirable that a change should be made in the chief command about 
once a year, so that all the contingents should take their turn in furnishing the 
commander in chief. 

After the consideration of the executive measures to be taken in the carrying 
out of Articles VIII and IX was concluded, the manner in which the evacuation 
of the province of Chihli was to be conducted, as being closely connected with the 
above measures, was debated upon. 

It was agreed that it would be impossible to assemble large bodies of troops at 
Tientsin, as this, especially in summer, would entail grave danger from a sanitary 
point of view. It therefore follows that, simultaneously with the evacuation of 
Peking and Paoting Fu, the transport of the troops to their own countries must 
begin, and that therefore the evacuation can not begin until the nece-sary trans- 
port ships are ready and on the spot. It was further recognized that in the 
months of July and August the marching of large bodies of troops in the direction 
of Tientsin- Ton gku would be impossible. The consequence of' this is that the 
evacuation of Peking and Paoting Fu must be completed by the 15th of June, unless 
the occupation is to be extended till autumn. 

The handing over of the civil government to the Chinese authorities can only 
take place after the evacuation of the towns in question; but it is proper and nec- 
essary that Chinese troops should be allowed previously to approach so that guard 
and police duties might be handed over to them direct. Thus the outbreak of 
troubles and risings of the people in the larger centers will be effectively prevented. 

At the close of the conference an understanding was come to as to the strength 
of the legation guard, which will not exceed a total of 2,000 men. There will be 
left in Peking: 

Men. 

America _ _ ,_ 150 

Germany _. 300 

France 300 

Great Britain 250 

Japan 300 

Italy 200 

Austria-Hungary _; 200 

Russia .._ . 300 

Count von Waldersee, 

Field Marshal, 



[Enclosure No. 4 with dispatch No. 69.— Translation.] 

Headquarters China Relief Expedition, ■ 

Peking, China, April 9, 1901. 
Your Excellency: I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of a copy of your 
letter, dated April 6, to his excellency M. de Cologan, dean of the diplomatic corps, 
setting forth the recommendations of the conference of the commanders in chief 
of the different contingents regarding the execution of Articles VLII and IX of the 
Joint Note submitted by the diplomatic corps to the Chinese representatives. It 
is observed that your excellency states that " By unanimous decision of the com- 
manders of the contingents, my proposition was accepted, to wit: To raze the fol- 
lowing fortifications, which, on account of their location and nature, might hinder 
the free communication between Pekin and the sea." 



REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 137 

It is noticed that your letter does not state that dismantlement of the fortifica- 
tions would be a satisfactory compliance with Article "V III to the United States, as 
was stated by me to your excellency and others present. This matter is material 
only in conserving on this occasion record of my statement at the conference, as 
dismantlement of the forts referred to was the position held by the United States 
through its minister when the joint note was under discussion by the diplomatic 
corps; so I have been informed. 

It is also noted that your excellency states regarding the points to be occupied 
that " Only the American general, Chaffee, was of the opinion that occupation of 
Peking, Tientsin, and Shanhaikwan would be sufficient." My proposition, as 
stated at the conference, was that Peking, Yangtsun, Tientsin, Tonku, Tongshan, 
and Shanhaikwan should be occupied. 

With assurances of my high esteem, I remain your excellency's obedient servant, 

Adna R. Chaffee, 
Major-General, U. S. A., Commanding United States Forces in China. 

His Excellency Field Marshal Count von Waldersee, 

Commanding Allied Forces in China. 



[Inclosure 5, with dispatch No. 69.— Translation.] 

To the Doyen of the diplomatic corps. 

Army Headquarters, Peking, Winter Palace, April 13, 1901. 
Your Excellency: Referring to my communications of the 6th instant, Nos. 
1390, 1391. I have the honor to inclose you a copy of a letter from Gen. Sir Alfred 
Gaselee (Briti-h), General Chaffee (American), and Colonel Garioni (Italian). 
In regard to the contents I have to say- 
First. I concur entirely in the opinion of Gen. Sir Alfred Gaselee. 1 only said 
in my communication that the designation of a common commander was urgently 
desirable from a military point of view, but as this, like the other points under 
discussion, will of course be decided by the allied powers, I have not given it 
special attention. 

Second. Article VIII of the joint note provides that the Taku forts and other 
remaining fortifications, which can hinder free communication between the capi- 
tal and the sea, are to be razed. At the conference the commanders of the contin- 
gents therefore only discussed the razing of those fortifications which are referred 
to in this provision. The statement of General Chaffee that a dismantlement of 
the forts would be sufficient escaped me. as well as his remark that he considered 
the continued occupation of Yungtsun, Tongku, and Tangshan to be necessary. 

Third. The right declared by Colonel Garioni in his letter to continue to take 
part in the occupation of the Shanhaikwan forts as at present is also, in my 
opinion, in no way modified by his declaration not to take part in the continued 
occupation of Shanhaikwan-Chinwangtao. 

Besides it is guaranteed by the provision that every power has the right to have 
depots at important points on the lines of communication. 

Graf v. Waldersee, 
General Field Marshal. 



Mr. Rockhill to Mr. Hay. 

No. 70.] Commissioner of the United States to China, 

Peking, April 17, 1901. 
Sir: The diplomatic corps continued to-day the discussion of the 
letter of Field Marshal Count von Waldersee, begun in its meeting 
of yesterday, as reported to you in my dispatch No. 69. The conclu- 
sions reached in the marshal's letter concerning the carrying out of 
Article VIII were accepted by the ministers, who will recommend their 
adoption to their respective governments. I again objected to the 
razing of the forts and to the inclusion of works other than forts in 
the number to be destroyed, as did also the Japanese minister. As, 



138' REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 

however, the Japanese minister finally withdrew his objections, I did 
not think proper to insist. So I stated that I accepted the views of 
the majority, though with the greatest reluctance. The field marshal 
in his letter expresses the belief that until the end of the occupation 
the provisional government should continue in the exercise of its 
functions. I expressed the opinion that it would be better if this 
Provisional Government should cease to exist as soon as conditions 
justified handing over the city of Tientsin to the Chinese authorities. 
The French, British, and Russian ministers agreed with this proposal, 
and the diplomatic corps finally expressed the wish that "the Pro- 
visional Government shall hand over to the Chinese authorities the 
powers which belonged to them in normal times as soon as the situa- 
tion will permit it and without prejudice to the military occupation." 
The German minister declined to express an opinion on this subject. 
All the others favored it. 

The discussion again coming up on the question of beginning the 
evacuation, I recalled to the meeting the French minister's proposal 
that the time had come when the generals might be informed that the 
commencement of evacuation seemed necessary. He repeated his 
former remarks, and added that he thought the military commanders 
might be informed that the withdrawal of the expeditionary corps could 
begin. This would in no way affect the maintenance of the forces of 
occupation. The Japanese minister stated that he would like to see the 
evacuation of Peking and Paoting Fu effected as soon as possible ; that 
he deemed the presence of troops at Tientsin sufficient pressure to secure 
prompt compliance by the Chinese Government with the demands of the 
powers concerning indemnity. I stated that I believed it was not neces- 
sary to begin a discussion of the question with the Chinese ; that we could 
confine ourselves to beginning a reduction of the forces, which could 
be steadily carried on, if conditions admitted of it, or stopped if they 
did not, but that in view of the marshal's statement that Peking and 
Paoting Fu must be evacuated prior to the 15th of June or only next 
autumn, I thought that everything should be done to hasten it, as the 
military occupation was costing enormous sums to China and the 
country was also suffering indirectly by it large loss of revenue. 
The British minister agreed in a general way with our views concern- 
ing the desirability of at once beginning a reduction of the military 
forces, while the German minister refused to discuss the question of 
evacuation, unless considered jointly with that of the payment of the 
indemnity. 

On the proposition of Sir Ernest Satow, the following statement was 
agreed upon to be telegraphed by the ministers to their respective gov- 
ernments, and if approved by them to be communicated to the vari- 
ous military commanders : ' 'A partial reduction of the troops is already 
possible, but the evacuation, properly so called, can not commence 
before the Chinese Government has fulfilled the conditions of Articles 
II and X of the Joint Note, and has accepted the general principles 
which will be laid down for the payment of the indemnities. That is 
to say, the sum total and the mode of payment." 

The paragraph of the marshal's letter 5, concerning the handing 
over of the civil government to the Chinese authorities occasioned 
some discussion. The opinion of all the ministers was that the civil 
administration should be transferred to the Chinese not after the 
evacuation, but some time before; not less, certainly, than three weeks 
or a month. Here again the German minister declined to express an 
opinion contrary to that of the field marshal. 



REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 139 

The force indicated for legation guards seems now to the ministers 
here to be a very large one. The French, Russian, Austrian minis- 
ters and myself, expressed the belief that it was probable that the 
Chinese Government would not return to Peking with a force of 2,000 
foreign troops in the capital. While the diplomatic corps will not 
recommend any reduction of this force at the present time, it is highly 
probable that it will be very considerably reduced as soon as may be. 
There is a strong desire among many of my colleagues to prevent any 
one nation having a larger guard than another. The German minis- 
ter thought that if one of the powers should withdraw its guard 
another should have the right of bringing the total of the Peking gar- 
rison to the regular number. This opinion found no support in the 
meeting. 

The draft of a letter to the Chinese plenipotentiaries was then 
read, in reference to the international settlement on the island of 
Ku-lang su (Amoy), asking them to take steps at an early date to have 
created the international settlement there which the powers under- 
stood the Chinese authorities were willing to make. I will send you 
a copy of this communication within a few days. 

The British minister then presented some remarks of his Govern- 
ment on the report for the assessment of claims adopted by the dip- 
lomatic corps. The British Government states that it will not ask 
indemnities for legation guards, and then enumerates a number of 
claims which the diplomatic corps had agreed to allow, but which 
it thinks are of a very doubtful nature, but in case the powers do 
not agree to this it suggests they should be most carefully scruti- 
nized before presentation. Sir Ernest also stated that 5 per cent 
should be the limit of interest asked in all cases. The British minis- 
ter also resubmitted a proposition of his Government, which meets 
with the support of the German and Italian ministers, that all private 
claims should be examined by a committee of the diplomatic corps so 
as to ascertain whether they have all been passed upon in uniform 
way and in strict conformity with the rules adopted. I abstained 
from voting on any of these propositioDS, not being in a position to 
consider any suggestions concerning claims until the general proposal 
of my Government on the presentation of a lump sum indemnity has 
been voted on. 

The diplomatic corps then adjourned without fixing a day for its 
aeeting. 
I have the honor to be, etc., 

W. W. ROCKHILL. 



Mr. Eockhill to Mr. Hay. 

No. 71.] Commissioner of the United States to China, 

Peking, China, April ££, 1901. 

Sir: I have the honor to confirm my telegram to you of the 18th 
instant. 

In view of the fact that the amount of the indemnity to be paid by 
China is under constant discussion by the foreign represenatives here, 
and that they have apparently decided not to wait for China to sug- 
gest acceptable financial measures for its payment, as provided by 
Article VI, paragraph (b), of the Joint Note, but to inform her of the 
measures they consider best, I am most desirous of knowing your 
views on tlje subject. 



140 REPOET OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 

The Chinese naturally desire a joint guarantee of any loan or bonds 
they may have to issue, as it would save them a very large sum, and 
some of the powers, Russia, I believe, included, would like to see a 
joint guarantee of all the powers given. 

Sir Robert Hart told me recently that the London bankers advise 
him that on the securities mentioned by him in his memorandum 
(see my dispatch No. 50, of March 28) a loan of from £30,000,000 to 
£40,000,000 could be placed. He thinks it quite impossible to float 
it at over 80, possibly much less, in view of the present stringency of 
the money market. 

I am, etc., W. W. Rockhill. 



Mr. Rockhill to Mr. Hay. 

No. 72.] Commissioner of the United States to China, 

Peking, April 2£, 1901. 

Sir: In further reference to the letter of Field Marshal Count 
Waldersee, embodying the recommendations of the military com- 
manders for carrying out Articles VIII and IX of the Joint Note, copy 
of which I transmitted to you in my No. 69 of the 1 6th instant. I now 
have the honor to inclose translation of the reply to same, agreed 
upon yesterday by the diplomatic representatives, subject to the 
approval of their governments. 

I have to request that you will inform me at your earliest conven- 
ience if this reply is approved by you. 

I am, etc., W. W. Rockhill. 



[Inclosure with dispatch No. 72.— Translation.] 

Peking, April #4, 1901. 

Monsieur le Marechal: I hastened to communicate to my colleagues your 
letter of 6th of April, concerning the resolutions taken by the commanders of the 
allied forces for carrying out Articles VIII and IX of the Joint Note. 

as regards the questions of a military nature treated of in your letter, the rep- 
resentatives of the powers have adopted, subject to the approval of their govern- 
ments, the propositions which you have made known to them. 

Thus they have adopted the opinions expressed by the commanders of the allied 
forces concerning the enumeration of fortifications to be razed, the designation of 
points to be occupied between Peking and the sea, the distribution of nationalities 
in the posts which are to be established, and the total figure of the forces which 
shall occupy the different posts. They have noted, however, that the distribution 
of the total of the effective forces between the various nationalities has not been 
indicated for Tientsin and Shanhaikwan. 

As regards the questions which are at the same time of a military and political 
nature, the representatives of the powers express the following opinions: 

Concerning the garrison of 4,000 men which is to remain, provisionally, at Tien- 
tsin during the period which will follow the present occupation, the commanders 
of the allied troops should indicate, by nationality, the proportion of this garri- 
son, so that this proportion can be submitted to the various governments. 

Concerning the Provisional Government of Tientsin, it should transmit its powers 
to the native authorities as soon as the situation will permit of so doing and with- 
out this measure having any reference to that of military occupation. 

Concerning the unity of the chief command, the majority of the ministers have 
pronounced themselves in favor of the suggestion made by the commanders of the 
allied troops. It is understood, nevertheless, that the legation guards at Peking 
should be in the future and until ordered to the contrary, outside of the troops 
placed under the supreme commander. 

Concerning the question of military evacuation, a proposition in the following 
words has been submitted unanimously by the representatives of the powers to 



REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 141 

their governments: "A partial reduction of troops is already possible, but the 
evacuation, properly so called, can only commence when the Chinese Government 
has fulfilled the conditions of Articles II and X of the Joint Note, and when it has 
accepted the general principles which shall be indicated to it for the payment of 
the indemnity. That is to say, the sum total and the mode of payment." 

Concerning the conditions of the transfer of the local administration to the 
native authorities, the commanders of the allied troops should study if, one month 
before the evacuation, the police and administration of Peking can not be intrusted 
to the civil Chinese authorities, under the superintendence of the foreign military 
troops. It is to be noted, in this connection, that there has never been in the city 
of Peking a military administration nor a permanent military garrison. The ban- 
ner troops can not be considered as such. 

The other questions treated of in the letter of your excellency have been 
examined and noted with all the care and attention which they deserve. The 
representatives of the powers will not fail to give them such consideration as may 
be necessary, and to inform, in proper time, the commanders of the allied troops 
through your excellency. 



Mr. RockMU to Mr. Hay. 

No/74.] Commissioner of the United States to China, 

Peking, April 23, 1901. 

Sir : The diplomatic corps held a meeting to-day, at my request, to 
consider the proposition of the United States concerning the indem- 
nity to be asked of China, which I had made known to it in my 
memoranda of March 29 and April 11, copies of which I had the honor 
to transmit to you in my dispatches Nos. 52 and 59. 

I outlined the considerations which I thought imposed the solution 
of this question, as suggested by you, as the only just, reasonable, 
and politic one which could be found. The powers had declared that 
the disorders in June of last year could not serve as a pretext for the 
acquirement of territory or any other special advantages, consequently 
the indemnity could only be paid in money. The terms of the Joint 
Note of December 24 last stated that the indemnity should be " equita- 
ble," in other words just and reasonable, by which we understood 
that it should not exceed the power of China to pay without creating 
for it grave financial embarrassments, prejudicial to the administra- 
tion of the country, administrative reform, and to all foreign inter- 
ests, and which might compel it to have recourse to financial 
expedients, which all the powers must condemn, imperiling the inde- 
pendence and integrity of the Empire. 

Since the indemnity to be asked of China must therefore be reason- 
able, it mattered little to us whether its annual revenue were eighty 
or a hundred or more millions of taels. We were bound to only ask 
that which China was in a position to pay us of our losses and 
expenses, and it was not for us to seek to ascertain what was the full 
extent of China's resources so as to exact the last cent of it of her. 
The Government of the United States thought that the limit of 
China's ability to pay, under the conditions specified, was £40,000,000 
sterling. 

The payment of this sum would cost China over £50,000,000, but it 
was our belief that she could pay it ; but any additional demand would 
expose foreign interests to the gravest danger. I referred to our 
declared policy here, by which we sought, among other things, to 
prevent the recurrence of antiforeign troubles, and said thatwe must 
therefore try to prevent as much as possible the imposition of new 
taxes upon the Chinese people for the payment of indemnities, for 



142 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 

by so doing their hostility would be intensified and perpetuated, and 
that we should ultimately lose much more than the few millions which 
we now sought to secure. 

The Russian minister stated that he had communicated your pro- 
posal to his Government, but had received no reply. In principle his 
Government was willing to accept what China was able to pay. That 
so far as that went he accepted our proposition, and thought that 
undoubtedly the resources of China should be taken into considera- 
tion in assessing the amount of the indemnity. As to the figure fixed 
by you, £40,000,000, he thought it was premature to discuss it until 
the commission charged by the diplomatic body to study the resources 
of China had made its report on the subject. He inquired how this 
limit had been reached by my Government. I replied that the data 
on which all estimates of the revenue of China were based were well 
known to everybody; they were practically the pamphlets on the sub- 
ject by Mr. Jamieson, to which might be added the memoranda recently 
submitted by Sir Robert Hart; that no accurate data beyond these 
were accessible to anyone, unless I was very much mistaken on the 
subject. These data clearly indicated that the borrowing capacity of 
China barely reached £40,000,000 sterling with her present available 
revenues. This statement of mine was, however, controverted by the 
French minister, who said that he thought China could pay much 
more and still retain sufficient revenue for the administration of the 
country. He deferred expressing his opinion on our proposition until 
the long-promised report of the commission above referred to is 
submitted. 

The Japanese minister, while thinking that any discussion of our 
proposal and the fixing of any limit to the sum to be demanded was 
premature, believed that the powers might have to consider a reduc- 
tion of the indemnity; that while common principles had been ac- 
cepted by most of the powers for assessing private claims, no such 
principles, so far as he knew, had been applied to assessing war 
expenses. He thought it might be necessary that something be done 
in this direction. 

The British minister, though not ready to state the limit of the 
indemnity to be fixed, said that in the belief of his Government this 
sum should not exceed a reasonable amount, payment of which would 
not create financial embarrassment to China. 

The German minister stated that he had no instructions from his 
Government on our proposition, but he thought that if the commis- 
sion charged with studying the revenue ascertained that China could 
pay the full amount of the expenses of the powers she should be made 
to do so, and that he saw no reason why the latter should show exces- 
sive generosity in the matter. 

The Belgian minister thought that if a reduction in the indemnity 
should be decided upon, it should only bear on the governmental 
claims ; that the private claims should not suffer thereby. 

On the whole, I gained the opinion that the representatives realized 
that the total amount of the claims may ultimately have to be sub- 
jected to a certain scaling down, although most of them hold that the 
limit fixed by you is entirely too low. 

Owing to the disinclination to discuss the subject before the sub- 
mission of the report of the commission on finance, and in view of 
several of my colleagues being still without any instructions from 
their governments on the subject, I did not press the matter to-day, 
but informed them that I reserved it for discussion later on. 



REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 143 

The Italian minister then informed the diplomatic corps that the 
war claim of his Government, up to the 1st of May, is 70,000,000 francs; 
for each month after this date it will be 2,500,000 francs. If the claim 
is not paid by the 1st of July, it will ask 200,000 francs per month as 
interest. If the occupation lasts until the autumn, a special item of 
4,000,000 francs will be asked. His Government also claims 2,000,000 
francs for the destruction of its legation here and the property therein. 
The private claims to be presented by him amount to 5,635,844 taels. 
This sum is subject to reduction. 

The Russian minister informed his colleagues that the state 
expenses of Russia, known up to the present time, including the 
destruction of its railroad, amount to 170,000,000 rubles; that the 
military expenses per month, after the 15th of March, were 2,000,000 
rubles. As to private claims he was unable to fix their amount, but 
it would be between 6,000,000 and 8,000,000 rubles, in all probability. 

In a previous meeting I asked the diplomatic corps to agree to 
restore to the Chinese the Tsungli Xamen, when it was agreed that 
the archives should be turned over to them, but the building, being 
in the occupation of the German military forces, could not at present 
be restored to them. 

The Chinese plenipotentiaries having asked me to renew their 
request that the buildings as well as the archives be restored to 
them, I did so to-day, and meeting with the support of my colleagues, 
the German minister agreed to ask his military authorities to comply 
with this request, which I think will be done within a few days. 

After discussion on a number of other subjects of minor impor- 
tance, among others a reply to Count Waldersee's letter of April 6, 
the diplomatic corps adjourned without indicating the date of its 
next meeting. 



I am, etc., 



W. W. ROCKHILL. 



Mr. Rockhill to Mr. Hay. 



No. 76.] Commissioner of the United States to China, 

Peking, China, April 26, 1901. 

Sir: The British minister called on me this morning and informed 
me that he was in receipt of instructions from his Government giving 
its views on the subject of the indemnity. He said that it thought 
the indemnity should be scaled down to £50,000,000, and that a date 
should be fixed after which no claims could be made, this to limit the 
amount of the claims for military occupation, which will be about a 
million and a half sterling a month. His Government would propose 
that China negotiate a loan in the open market for a sum sufficient to 
pay the powers £25,000,000, for which purpose it could give the native 
customs revenues and the still unalienated foreign customs revenues. 
As to the time and mode of payment of the remaining £25,000,000, 
the powers would have to make an agreement with China. Five 
years might prove to be all the time necessary, for the increased 
tariff which it is proposed to grant her, and other sources of revenue 
may be sufficient to enable her to discharge this debt. 

The minister was of opinion that the French might be induced to a 
scaling down, and, from what I wrote you in my No. 74, of the 23d 
instant, I think it probable some of the powers will view favorably 
some reduction of their claims. Sir Ernest feared, however, that thia 



144 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 

plan would be extremely difficult to get Germany to consent to, and 
he thought that Italy and Austria might a]so hold out against it. 
Belgium, I may add, undoubtedly would; but if Russia and France 
would accept this proposition, I think it might be carried through. 

The minister asked me if I thought the United States would favor 
such a compromise. I told him I could hold out no hope of it; that 
in case our proposal was finally declined by the powers, I was 
instructed to press for a reference of the whole subject to The Hague 
tribunal. 

The British minister feared that such reference, if agreed to, woulcL* 
greatly delay any settlement. It would be impossible to get the 
evacuation of this province carried out in the meanwhile, and our 
endeavors to keep down the indemnity might therefore possibly result 
in saddling on China a large increase of the amount now claimed. 
He thought his Government wanted to fix the date after which no 
claim for military occupation could be made at September next at the 
latest. 

I have the honor, etc., 

W. W. ROCKHILL. 



Mr. Bockhill to Mr. Hay. 

No. 79.] Commissioner of the United States to China, 

Peking, May 1, 1901. 

Sir : The diplomatic corps held a meeting to-day for the purpose of 
hearing the report of the committee appointed to study the question 
of the payment of the indemnities to be asked of China. I inclose here- 
with cop}^ of said report. ,-, 

-After the reading of the report, which, as you will notice, contains 
no recommendations as to the method to be suggested to China for 
paying the indemnities, the Russian minister submitted a short mem- 
orandum, with the object of proving the necessity of a joint guaranty 
by the powers of the loan which it is supposed China will be obliged 
to negotiate. 

Assuming that the amount of the indemnities which will be asked 
of China is £65,000,000, and the correctness of the statement con- 
tained on page 23 of the report of the commission, that it would 
cost China 23 per cent in commissions, etc., to float a loan, and that 
she would furthermore have to pay 7 per cent interest on it, Mr. de 
Giers shows that she would have to borrow £84,500,000 to secure 
£65,000,000. At the rate of 7 per cent, China would have to pay on this 
£5,915,000, or 34,447,500 Haikwan taels. Should a joint guaranty be 
given, China would not have to pay over 7 per cent in commissions; 
consequently a loan of £70,000,000 would net her £65,100,000. With 
this guaranty the annual interest, Mr. de Giers said, would not prob- 
ably be more than 4 to 4-j- per cent, which, at 4 per cent, would be 
£2,800,000 per year interest, or 18,200,000 taels. The saving, there- 
fore, on a loan of this magnitude which a guaranty would insure 
would be 16,247,500 taels a year on interest alone. 

Mr. de Giers then made the same calculation on the American 
proposition, payment of a lump sum of £40,000,000 sterling. This, 
he said, would entail a reduction on the present figures of the indem- 
nities asked by the various powers of 38.46 per cent, Without guar- 
anty, a loan of £40,000,000 would cost China £51,935,000; at 7 per 
cent interest this would make £3,630,450, or 23,597,925 taels. In 
other words, more than the loan of £70,000,000 with guaranty. 



EEPOBT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 145 

A loan for the same amount of £40,000,000, at 7 per cent commis- 
sion, with a joint guaranty would only cost China £43,000,000; and 
with 4 per cent annual interest, £1,720,000 a year, or 11,180,000 taels. 

The saving to China on the loan of £40,000,000 which a guaranty 
would insure would be 12,417,925 taels annually. 

Turning to the question of resources, Mr. de Giers stated that he 
suggested, as a means of raising the 18,200,000 taels necessary to insure 
the payment of a guaranteed loan of £70,000,000 at 4 per cent, that, 
the following resources be availed of : 

Taels 

Balance of foreign Maritime Customs 3,523,920 

Native customs - - 3,000,000 

5 per cent effective ad valorem duties _. 2,500,000 

5 per cent additional ad valorem duties „ 10,000,000 

Total 19,023,920 

Mr. de Giers's figures are, like all those given in the report of the 
commission, subject to considerable correction. Their importance, 
however, is not great in the present case, and I only give them as 
showing the disposition of the Russian Government to favor a joint 
guaranty, and not to attempt anything in the way of reforming the 
interior administration of China. Russia and some of the other pow- 
ers can favor with perfect equanimity the raising of tariff on imports 
and exports, as they have small commercial interests in China. 

The British minister informed me that he is in favor of using to 
secure the loan, the foreign customs, the native customs to be put 
under the control of the Maritime Customs, the raising of the tariff to 
an effective 5 per cent, and the salt tax, which the Chinese Govern- 
ment has expressed itself willing to have applied to this purpose. 
This latter, it is thought, would bring in a sum of 11,000,000 taels a 
year. 

The important feature of the report of the commission and of the 
suggestions made by the Russian minister and those offered by others 
of my colleagues is that without the raising of the tariff to 10 per cent, 
and a joint guaranty given by the powers of the loan China will 
have to make, it is absolutely impossible for China to pay £65,000,000. 
The figure of the indemnity you suggested indicates the limit of her 
ability to pay. 

To all inquiries of me whether the United States would join in a 
guaranty I have in the most categorical and emphatic way said 
"No." I furthermore refused to consider, or even submit to you, the 
raising of the tariff to 10 per cent unless equivalent compensation be 
given our trade immediately, or at least the negotiations pushed on 
concurrently with those for the settlement of the indemnity. To 
raising the tariff to a o per cent effective I think there can be no 
objection. It is simply equity to China, but even this should be com- 
pensated for in some way. This is more easy for China to do, since 
a compliance on the part of China with several of the demands our 
commercial world has been urging on it for years past will not entail 
any loss of revenue to it. 

I have got my colleagues to agree that the first step be taken now 
is to inform the Chinese plenipotentiaries that the losses and dis- 
bursements of the various powers approximate £67,000,000 sterling, 
and to ask them what measures they propose taking for the payment 
of it. 

I have the honor, etc., W. W. Rockhill. 

S. Doc. 67 10 



146 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 

[Translation.] 

Report of the Commission for payment of indemnities. 

The commission appointed by the diplomatic corps to study the question of the 
payment of indemnities to be demanded from China, in virtue of Article VI, of 
the Joint Note, has considered— 

1. The mode of payment to be adopted in order to satisfy, as far as possible, the 
interests of the creditors and those of the debtors. 

2. The Chinese revenues which offer the greatest security and which can be 
diverted from their present application without embarrassing the internal life of 
the country. 

In the examination of the mode of payment the commission has taken into 
account the desire of the indemnified powers to be paid in full at the earliest pos- 
sible moment and the consideration to be observed toward China, considered as a 
solvent creditor who has always been scrupulous in her engagements up to the 
present, but is temporarily embarrassed. 

Among the Chinese revenues it has principally considered those which combine 
the following conditions: Well-organized collection, assured yield, easy and effica- 
cious control. It, however, advises, even though they fulfill these conditions, to 
exclude those taxes whose income is especially applied to expenses which apparently 
could not be modified without prejudice to the internal administration of the Gov- 
ernment. 

Above all, it was necessary to know the approximate amount of the claims of 
the powers. The information which was obtained from the different legations, 
and which in some cases is as yet only known provisionally or semiofficially, seems 
to bring this figure to about £65,000,000—1,629,000,000 francs, 1,300,000,000 marks, 
$399,000,000 gold, 415,000,000 Haikwan taels (in calculating a Haikwantael at 3.90 
francs) . 

This total will, moreover, probably be exceeded, since it is only calculated 
approximately up to July 1 and since it must increase with the protracted military 
occupation. 

The commission next consulted the persons who appeared most capable, from 
their situation, experience, and special authority, to furnish the. commission infor- 
mation on the resources of the Empire and the best mode of payment. It succes- 
sively interviewed Sir Robert Hart, general inspector of customs; Mr. Hillier, 
director of the Hongkong and Shanghai Bank; Mr. Pokotilow, Russo- Chinese: Mr. 
Rump, director of the Deutsche asiastische Bank; the Mandarins Hsu Shou-peng, 
late Chinese minister to Korea; Na Tong, vice-president of the treasury depart- 
ment, and Chou Fu, grand treasurer of Chih-li. 

The commission examined a work by Mr. Augustin, director of the Indo- China 
Bank. The German, English, and Japanese ministers submitted reports. 

From all these opinions and information some general observations are brought 
out which are important to be noted to serve as guide for the detailed explana- 
tionswhich are to follow. 

There is little doubt but what China will find it difficult to clear in one pay- 
ment, through its native resources, the sum which the powers, according to the 
first information we possess, are disposed to claim from her. There are not suffi- 
cient available funds in the country. 

The commission was unanimous in considering the balance of the maritime 
customs and the iikins actually under foreign control, the increase of the customs 
tariff to 5 per cent effective ad valorem, the yield of the native customs, and the 
taxation of certain merchandise, at present imported free, as revenues offering 
good security from the triple point of view of income, collection, and control, and 
which could be applied to the service of the indemnities without exercising any 
injurious effect on the internal organization of the Empire. 

Objection was raised to certain other resources, such as increasing the customs 
duties to 10 per cent, the salt duty, the rice tribute, the Manchurian income, and 
the revenue resulting from economies in various expenses. 

A third category, the land tax and the likin, was withdrawn as not satisfying 
the sought-for conditions. 

Finally a fourth one was pointed out as offering the Chinese Government the 
means to cover the deficit in its budget, caused by applying the receipts to the pay- 
ment of the indemnities— dwelling tax, stamp tax, increased duties on native 
opium. 

These general observations made, we will resume what has been said relative to 
the mode of payment and resources. 

1, Mode of payment: If China is relieved from the direct payment in a lump 
sum, four systems can be chosen from — 

(a) Chinese loan, not guaranteed by the powers; 



REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 147 

(6) Loan to meet the lump sum for the payment of indemnities, pledged by- 
installments and guaranteed by all the powers jointly; 

(c) Chinese bonds; 

(d) Annuities. 

(a) Chinese loan, not guaranteed by the powers. — This system would doubtless 
be very costly, the credit of the Empire being such that it would be difficult to 
borrow a lump sum of £65,000,000 at reasonable rates. 

(5) Loan to meet the lump sum of the indemnities, guaranteed by all the powers. — 
Such a loan could undoubtedly be easily floated without too great expense and at 
a low rate of interest. Its realization would allow the immediate payment of the 
indemnities and the speedy restoration of China to its normal state. 

This system would be advantageous for the indemnified parties (companies and 
individuals) , China, and the commerce of the extreme East. As to the States, they 
would be jointly responsible for the new debt contracted by the Empire. Finan- 
cially they would not be gainers, for they would have to borrow to pay themselves; 
rather they would lose, each one having to assume, besides the commission pre- 
viously deducted by the bank, the joint responsibility of the total loan. 

It has been urged, it is true, that this solidarity is not indispensable to the guar- 
anty of a loan, the credit of certain States being sufficient security; that, on the 
contrary, it would excite fear among the financiers in case political complications 
should arise among the joint guarantors. Finally, the powers would not perhaps 
care to guarantee a loan in a lump sum without reserving control of the revenues 
to be applied to the payment of the installments, and this might create a very deli- 
cate and complicated situation in carrying it into effect. 

(c) Chinese bonds. — Each power would receive from China bonds for the amount 
of its total indemnity. These bonds, falling due at stated intervals, would bear 
interest, and each power could use them as security for a national loan which each 
would have to raise. The lump sum of £65,000,000 would then be distributed 
among the powers under various forms of loans and under conditions in harmony 
with the credit of each instead of floating one international loan. Each State 
would be at liberty to only raise the amount of the indemnity due its countrymen, 
provided it were willing to accept its payment in installments and to choose at its 
convenience the date of issue. 

(d) Annuities. — This system would have the disadvantage of extending the set- 
tlement of the expenses already paid by the powers over a number of years and of 
leaving the door open to political contingencies. 

Such is the resume of the opinions and information furnished the commission 
on this point. The commission does not feel it can recommend one system rather 
than another. It believes that in the actual state of affairs the question can not 
be decided except by the powers themselves, between whom there exist differences, 
and who. independently of the agreement to be made, would undoubtedly have to 
consult the financial establishments whose cooperation would be indispensable. 

II. RESOURCES. 

(a) Maritime customs. — The surest Chinese revenue is constituted by the Mari- 
time Customs under the control of a foreign administration. The events of 1900 
have proved their strength, since, excepting 1899, the receipts for last year equal 
those of 1898. Consequently they can be considered as a minimum which will be 
exceeded as soon as trade resumes its regular development, reaching 23,000,000 or 
even 24,000,000 Haikwan taels. 

(o) Litems, actually under foreign control. — These resources are composed of 
(1) the general iikins of the ports of Soochou and Kiukiang, of the Shanghai- 
Sunkiang, and the eastern district of Chekiang; (2) the likin on salt from the port 
of Ichang, from Hupeh and Anhui. • 

This revenue seemed safe enough to be accepted as security for the Anglo- 
German loan of 1898. The customs administration, which investigated it thor- 
oughly, values it at 5,000,000 taels at the lowest. 

Wisely administered, these two revenues form a total of from 28 to 29 million 
taels, from which amount an average of 24,000,000 taels is to be deducted until 
1905 for the service of the present foreign debt. From the available balance, 
according to Mr. Komura, there would be paid besides the administration expenses 
of the Maritime Customs, including — 

Taels. 

The pay of the foreign and Chinese personnel 2, 198, 000 

Maintenance of light-houses 280,000 

Peking College 120,000 

Chinese legations abroad. 1,319,000 

Total ,„ 3,917,000 



148 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 

Balance (Haikwan taels) , 83,000, or 1,083,000, according to whether the customs 
duties are valued at 23,000,000 or 24,000,000 taels. 

The commission observes, however, (1) that of the four above-mentioned 
expenses, two — those of the Peking College and the legations— could be charged by 
the Chinese Government to other revenues, which would raise the disposable 
balance to 1,522,000 or to 2,522,000 Haikwan taels. 

(2) That as the annuities of the actual debt will reach their maximum in 1905, 
decreasing from then on, the disposable balance will increase 200,000 taels per year 
from this date until 1918, at which time it will reach more than 5,000,000 taels. 

(c) Increase of the import duties to 5 per cent effective ad valorem. — This meas- 
ure is recommended on different sides on account of its easy application and of 
the certainity of its yield. It is accepted by the Chinese delegates without any 
reservation, except as to the advantages to be given foreign commerce in compen- 
sation of the increased taxes imposed. 

The duties collected for the year 1899 equal 3.18 per cent (3.43 per cent for the 
year 1900) of the value of all the merchandise imported. The increase of 5 per 
cent will lead approximately to an increase in receips of 3,900,311 (figure for 1899), 
not including opium, which will not be taxed with a new duty, and rice, which 
will continue to enter free. 

It is to be remarked that the year 1899 was exceptional, and if one takes for basis 
of calculation the average of three normal years (1896 to 1898, for example) the 
increase will not be found to exceed 2,320,276 taels, or 2.500,000 taels at the maximum. 

Commerce seems to make no objection to this measure, but demands in compen- 
sation: (1) Specific and not ad valorem duties; (2) a more equitable tariff evalua- 
tion; (3) reform of the Chinese administration of the likin, assuring a more 
honest administration in the transit of merchandise, and putting an end to the 
obstacles created by the dishonesty of the Chinese Government. 

In view of the increased customs duties to 5 per cent ad valorem, Sir Robert 
Hart indicated a way which presents the advantage of requiring neither revision 
nor negotiation of tariffs, at the same time restoring the duties to their primitive 
value. At the time of the establishment of the tariff 3 Haikwan taels were worth 
£1; to-day it takes about 7 to make £1. 

It would only be necessary to give the Haikwan tael a fixed conventional value 
equal to its value in the beginning to tax merchandise with 5 per cent effective 
ad valorem. 

According to the customs inspector, the corresponding increased receipts would 
be from 10 to 15 million taels. 

It has, however, been remarked that this proceeding would create inequalities in 
practice, and it would be difficult to make the Governments accept it, and Sir 
Robert Hart's estimates appear optimistic. According to the average of the years 
1896-1898, the increase would only be 9,153,833 taels. 

(d) Native customs. — In the ports open to foreign commerce the maritime cus- 
toms exercises its authority only over vessels of foreign construction whether they 
be owned by Chinese or foreigners. 

The duties on merchandise transported by junks are collected by a special 
native administration, and according to a special tariff which is effective in the 
open ports side by side with the maritime customs, and, moreover, everywhere else 
on the coast or in the islands at the stations which the Chinese Government has 
established from time immemorial. 

The opinions obtained are unanimously in favor of the control of this revenue 
and of its application to the service of indemnities. Sir Robert Hart estimates 
that the high personnel of the maritime customs could easily, in the open ports, 
undertake the service which is exercised by the native customs administration of 
"Chang Shui." 

Sir Ernest Sato w valued this revenue at 1,000,000 taels for the present and at 
4.000,000 for the future. Messrs. Komura and Hillier, at 5,000,000— at 3,000,000 
now and at 5,000,000 to 10,000,000 for the future. Mr. Pokotilow estimates the 
duties collected in the open ports alone at 5,000,000, At the rate of %\ per cent, 
Mr. Rump calculates that at Tientsin alone the duty on the junks would amount 
to 300,000 taels. 

In regard to these native customs, Mr. Hillier claims that their yield has always 
been considered by the Chinese Government casual rather than a certain income, 
for scarcely 20 per cent is turned into the treasury, which consequently would not 
feel the loss to any great extent. 

(e) Taxation of merchandise at present imported free. — Some articles, such as 
flour, butter, cheese, foreign clothing, soap, candles, spirits, etc., which at the 
establishment of the tariffs were only imported in small quantities and for the 
exclusive use of foreigners, are exempt from duties. The sale, having increased 



EEPOET OF COMMISSIONEK TO CHINA. 149 

since the Chinese have generally adopted their consumption, represents to-day a 
considerable value. It has been proposed , consequently, to submit this merchandise 
to the general tariff, with the exception, however, of rice and cereals. The com- 
mission sees no objection in so doing. 

The following table recapitulates the minima and maxima valuations of this 
first category: 



Minima. 



Maxima. 



(a 6) Balance of the customs duties and likin under foreign control. 

(c) Increase of the Maritime Customs duties to 5 per cent effective., 

(d) Native customs, imports 

Total valuations 



Taels. 
83,000 
2,320,276 
3,000,000 



Taels. 
1,083,000 
3,900,311 
10,000,000 



5,403,376 



14,683.311 



It must be recalled that the disposable funds will increase from 1905 about 
200,000 taels per year, and that in 1918 they will reach more than 5,000,000 taels. 

We will now examine the second category of resources. 

(/) Increase of customs duties to 10 per cent. — This measure has in its favor, as 
has already been stated, its easy application and the certainty of its yield. 
According to Mr. de Mumm. foreign commerce with China would see no great 
inconvenience in this, experience having shown that the increase in the entrance 
duties is divided about equally between the x>roducer, the dealer, and the con- 
sumer, and that, maintained within reasonable bounds, it does not encroach upon 
the consuming power of a country. Japan, where the duties have lately been 
raised from 10 to 20 per cent over their preceding figure, is the most recent proof 
of this fact. Mr. de Mumm calculates that this increase in duties would produce 
an increase of 17,475,000 taels. 

Mr. Rump estimates that the tax of 10 per cent could be adopted under the 
condition of a tariff revision. Certain products, such as needles, aniline dyes, 
etc., could easily bear increased duties. Others, such as cotton goods, could not. 
A choice would have to be made. Mr. Komura proposes a 10 per cent increase of 
the import duties for all merchandise, including foreign opium and articles intro- 
duced in franchise under the actual regime. 

The increase in the receipts would be, according to him, about 18,037,374 taels. 
Taking for base the imports of 1899, however, he expresses the opinion that this 
change in the tariffs would call for compensations. He then proposes as a correl- 
ative condition of the increase in duties an absolute exemption of likin duties, 
terminal or other taxes collected in the interior in favor of the imports and 
exports. Considering the enormous importance of the total commerce of the 
Empire, he believes that the imports and exports enter for only a small part in 
the income from the likin and that its loss would not greatly affect the provincial 
budgets. 

The transit duty should, at the same time, be abolished. Mr. Komura advises 
the institution of a commission charged with revising the tariffs on the new bases 
adopted and indicating the measures to be taken to put an end to the extortion 
affecting the import and export articles in the interior of China. 

The new tariff could be applied without it being necessary to wait until the com- 
mission has concluded its labors. The taxes would be collected temporarily accord- 
ing to the ad valorem tariff. 

Mr. Pokotilow does not believe there are any fundamental objections on the part 
of commerce to the elevation of the entrance duties from 5 to 10 per cent, provid- 
ing that a serious revision of the tariffs is made, rendering them as equitable as 
possible, If the revision is well made, the movement of exchanges will not dimin- 
ish. The revision could be made in a relatively short time, in a few weeks at the 
most. 

Sir Ernest Satow shows that his Government could not accept the increase in 
the rate of the entrance duties to 10 per cent. He declares that English trade is 
already protesting against this measure, unless it be compensated by modifications 
in the commercial regime of China. He upholds the 10 per cent duty as well as 
the 5 per cent, exclusive of opium and rice. 

The Chinese delegates, on the contrary, would view the increase to 10 per cent 
with great satisfaction. Resuming, the yield from it would be valued at 10,648,736 
taels at the minimum, exclusive of opium and rice, and at 18,037,374 taels at the 
maximum, including these products. 

(g) Salt duty,— The salt duty is a state monopoly, reposing on a vast and oom- 



150 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 

plicated organization having in its favor the strength of a long tradition and assur- 
ing the existence of a considerable number of officials, manufacturers, and licensed 
tradesmen. 

According to the report of Mr. Jamieson, the Government previously deducted 
two sorts of duties on salt — one on consumption, collected in the center of produc- 
tion and the place of sale, the other on circulation or likin imposed en route or on 
arrival at the last station. No distinction has been made between the two duties 
in the propositions which have been made on this subject. 

Sir Robert Hart declares that the proposed legislation on salt can raise no 
objection, for there is nothing safer. According to the finance department's 
figures, the salt duty in 1899 yielded a little less than 14,000,000 taels, but accord- 
ing to certain information this figure would reach 15,000,000, and even 20,000,000 
under a good administration. 

Sir Robert Hart suggests, as a means of control, the extension of the actual 
control of the likins intrusted to the Maritime Customs administration. It is to 
be remarked in this connection that the administration only controls the likin on 
salt and not the consumption duty. 

Sir Ernest Satow, who is also in favor of applying the revenue from the salt 
tax to the payment of the indemnities, values this resource at 12,000,000 or 
13,500,000 taels, which, according to the most conservative opinions, could be 
increased 50 per cent, or 6,000,000 taels, and even 100 per cent, or 12,000,000 taels, 
under an honest administration. Mr. Hillier, who agrees with Sir Ernest Satow, 
says that the salt revenue under the present administration is valued at 13,800,000 
taels. but that under foreign control this figure would be considerably increased. 

From his estimates he deducts 1,800,000 taels already applied to the foreign 
debt, which brings it to 12,000,000 taels. 

Mr. Pokotilow advises the assuming of the salt duty only as a last resort, and 
then only in case that the increase in the customs duties to 5 per cent, the native 
customs, and certain economies to be imposed upon the Chinese Government in 
various expenses do not furnish sufficient resources. According to Mr. Pokotilow, 
this control would necessitate the creation and administration of a very compli- 
cated and delicate organization and a foreign personnel, which is completely lack- 
ing. He considers this control as an interference in the internal administration, 
and as such discourages it. 

Mr. Rump believes that the duty on salt could be placed under foreign control. 
At Tongku alone, where it reaches 6,000,000 picuis per year, an income of 1,600,000 
taels would thus be obtained. He does not conceal the fact that the control in 
the interior provinces might be difficult. He does not consider it would be possi- 
ble to import salt free of duty, using the amount of the duties collected for the 
service of the debt. As long as the monopoly exists and corporations hold the 
traffic in their hands they will be strong enough to oppose the sale of foreign 
salt. The Chinese delegates declared that the disposable yield from the salt 
duties was 10,000,000 taels, from which 6,000,000 must be deducted for govern- 
mental expenses, leaving a balance of about only 4,000,000. According to them, 
a reform in this tax would be difficult to establish. 

From these various opinions the yield from the salt tax can be valued at between 
4,000,000 and 20,000,000 taels. 

(h) Peking octroi.— Sir Robert Hart mentioned this revenue accessorily, estimat- 
ing it at 500,000 taels. Mr. Pokotilow confirmed this valuation, adding that the 
duties collected were quite heavy. 

He advised, in a general way, to avoid everything that might lead to interfer- 
ence in the internal administration of the country. Mr. Rump declared that 
they could not count upon such duties, and that they would have to be left to the 
Chinese. 

According to the Chinese delegates, this tax would only yield 170,000 taels, 
which would be absorbed by the Peking administration. 

(i) Rice tribute. — The rice tribute is furnished by the two provinces of Kiang-su 
and Chekiang. The quantity of rice sent to Peking varies from 12,000,000 to 
14,000,000 tan or picuis, or 104,500 tons. About 200,000 picuis are sent by the old 
route of the Grand Canal, the remainder by the vessels of the China merchants. 

The administration of this transportation is in reality one of the principal 
Chinese departments, and employs a regular army of officials and clerks. The 
method of collection is as follows: The land taxes, which are in principal col- 
lected in kind, are, in fact, paid in money, or rather in copper cash. The tariff con- 
version is fixed from time to time, according to the commercial value of rice, and 
increased by a supplementary tax, destined to cover the transportation costs and 
various expenses. 

It appears to be sometimes double and sometimes treble the price of rice. With 



REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 151 

the money thus obtained the tax collectors buy rice on the markets and send it to 
the depots awaiting its shipment to the north. 

When the transportation administration has received the rice, it is responsible 
for it until it reaches the Tung-chou storehouses, where it is to .be left. 

Sir Ernest Satow, who suggested this revenue, furnished the following observa- 
tions on this subject. The quantity of rice shipped in this manner would, accord- 
ing to Mr. Jamieson, reach 1,200,000 piculs. The duties and transportation permit 
cost a very large sum in the provinces— 1, 500,000 taels. 

From another source the rice tribute would amount to 800,000 piculs, worth 4 
taels the picul. 

Forty per cent of this rice is transported by the Grand Canal, and the expenses 
are so exorbitant that the picul delivered in Peking costs about 15 taels; 60 per 
cent is loaded on the boats of the China merchants at the rate of \\ tael per picul. 
If the entire amount were transported by sea the saving resulting from this would 
amount to 9£ taels on 40 per cent of the 800,000 piculs, or 3,040,000 taels. Finally, 
a third estimate fixes the quantity of rice transported by steamers at 300,000 piculs, 
and places the picul at 6 taels delivered at Peking; 400,000 piculs would be trans- 
ported by the Grand Canal, and would cost 15 taels. The saving resulting from the 
transportation by sea of the total tribute would amount to 3,600,000 taels. The 
sums used in the purchase of rice reach, according to Mr. Jamieson, from 3,360,000 
to 3,920,000 taels. 

The rice is eventually distributed to the banner men, who resell it to the poorest 
classes in Peking for \\ taels. 

On the money used for the purchase of rice and the cost of transportation there* 
might be realized, according to Mr. Jamieson, 6,562,000 taels; according to another, 
7,440,000, and according to a third person, 7,800,000 taels. 

Sir Robert Hart, without furnishing further information, values the yield from 
the suppression of the rice tax at 2,000,000 or 3,000,000 taels. 

Mr. Pokotilow favors a reform in the transportation of the rice tribute and of 
the application of the savings thus realized to the service of the indemnities, but 
he does not consider the eventuality of the suppression of these distributions of 
rice to the bannermen, which are governed by the constitution of the Empire. He 
estimates the savings resulting from the use of the maritime route in preference 
to the Grand Canal at 1,000,000 taels. 

Mr. Rump also believes that the Chinese Government would gain by transport- 
ing all the rice from the tribute by sea, because, besides the saving in freight, it 
would thus put an end to the frauds committed by the boatmen, who take advan- 
tage of the special passes of the rice tribute to smuggle merchandise and thus 
escape the customs. 

This measure would only meet opposition on the part of the boatmen. But Mr. 
Rump does not think that the resources thus realized could be used to guarantee 
a loan. 

Mr. Hillier proposes also to apply to the payment of the indemnities the land 
tax of Kiang-su and Chekiang. This tax is estimated by the Chinese at from 
10,000,000 to 12,000,000 taels in the present state, but Mr. Hillier only estimates it 
at 8,000,000, remarking, however, that it would certainly give much more Under 
foreign control. 

The information furnished on this revenue by the Chinese delegates was some- 
what vague. According to them the rice tribute to-day represents 1,240,000 bags. 
It was formerly 1 .400,000 bags. The price of this rice in the south would be 4,000,000 
taels; the transportation would cost 6 taels per bag by the maritime route; 130,000 
bags would pass by the Grand Canal, but they were not able to say what the 
expenses would amount to. The delegates agreed that the freight of the mari- 
time transportation could be diminished if it were awarded by competition, and 
the savings resulting from this could be applied to the service of the indemnities. 
They also recognized the possibility of collecting the rice tribute in money and 
distributing to the Tartars the value of the rice which is given them, thus leaving 
the cost of transportation to be used for other purposes. 

(j) Manchu pensions.— Sir Ernest Satow suggests the following scheme: 

Capitalize the pensions granted to the Manchu soldiers and issue bonds bearing 
55 per cent interest. The official figures for Peking alone are 5,760,000 taels, with- 
out taking into consideration the Manchu garrisons of the provinces, which appear 
to be of no military use. 

If the bonds issued to the holders of these pensions represent one-half the value 
of the capitalized sum this plan would result in a saving of 2,830,000 taels. 

Sir Robert Hart estimates the sum which could be raised from the suppression 
of the Manchu pensions at 3,000,000 taels. 

Mr. Pokotilow advises against interference with the revenues applied to this 
expense as too closely affecting the internal organization. 



152 



REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 



Mr. Rump believes that these pensions could only be suppressed upon condition 
of sending the Tartars back to Manchuria and supplying them with the means 
of existence, the best plan being to give them lands. 

The Chinese delegates do not conceal the fact that the Government would be 
obliged to reduce these pensions, but that it would have to use the sums thus 
economized for other pressing needs. Mr. de Mumm is of the opinion that the 
savings to be realized from the rice tribute and the Manchu pensions are resources 
which could only be utilized to replace, in favor of the Chinese Government, the 
revenues appropriated elsewhere to the payment of indemnities. He does not 
think it can be used as security for a loa~n, in view of the fact that it would be 
too difficult to collect it. 

Finally, Mr. Pokotilow pointed out as resources the amount of the savings 
which China could realize from the military expenses and from the cost of the 
transportation to Peking of the money coming from this tax. 

The following table recapitulates the resources of the second category: 

Increase of customs duties. 





Minima. 


Maxima. 


To 10 per cent: 

Salt tax . . o.- 


Taels. 

10, 648, 736 

4,000,000 

170,000 

1,000,000 

2,830,000 


Taels. 
18,037,374 


% Pekin octroi . 


11,500,000 




500, 000 


Manchu pensions 


8,000,000 




2,830,000 






General total.. 


18,648,736 


40,867,374 







The third category of resources is the one which was withdrawn as not satisfy- 
ing the conditions to be realized. 

(I) Land tax. — Although this tax is the principal basis of the State revenue, it is 
sometimes abandoned by the Government when the crops are destroyed or threat- 
ened by public calamities. As this tax lacks stability Sir Robert Hart does not 
advise its appropriation. Mr. Pokotilow thinks that this tax is the last one to be 
resorted to, as it will be very difficult to administer. The Chinese delegates called 
attention to the law prohibiting the increase of the land tax. 

(m) Likin. — The likin is a temporary tax, the suppression of which would be 
viewed with favor by the Chinese people and foreign commerce; consequently Sir 
Robert Hart thinks it preferable not to encourage its maintenance. 

Finally a fourth category was pointed out as offering the Chinese Government 
the means for covering the deficiencies in its budget caused by the withdrawal of 
the receipts to be applied to the indemnities. 

(n) Tax on dwellings. — The establishment of this tax, according to Sir Robert 
Hart, would give 20,000,000 taels per year by only imposing an average contribu- 
tion of 0.05 taels on each inhabitant. 

The Chinese delegates, appearing to confound this tax with the poll tax, declared 
the collection would arouse great difficulties among the people. A hundred years 
ago the Government attempted to impose a poll tax, but was obliged to give up 
the idea. 

(o) Stamp tax.— The establishment of this tax would always furnish a consider- 
able revenue— 5,000,000 taels per year — according to Sir Robert Hart. Mr. Pokoti- 
low sees in this a source of great corruption, and does not think that it could be 
levied outside of the open ports. 

The Chinese delegates do not believe it possible to establish this duty except in 
the open ports. 

(p) Native opium.— Sir Robert Hart estimates the quantity of native opium pro- 
duced and placed in circulation at 150,000 piculs per year— at least three times the 
quantity of foreign opium. In fixing the duties at 60 taels per picul and in modi- 
fying the regulations 10,000,000 taels per year would be obtained. 

According to Mr. Pokotilow it would be easier to administer the tax on opium 
than on salt. This duty is not high in theory, but it is enormously increased by 
the extortions of the mandarins. 

The Chinese officials are not of this opinion. They estimate, on the contrary, 
that it is very difficult to reach native opium, which, being produced everywhere, 
escapes all surveillance. 

Regarding these three taxes, Sir Robert Hart observes that they would be badly 
received, owing to their innovation under foreign pressure, and could even arouse 
hostile feeling among the population. 



REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 153 

Mr. Pokotilow considers these receipts as very uncertain, and he thinks that at 
the most they could only be suggested to China as a means to furnish new resources 
in exchange for those that will be taken from her. 

One of the financiers consulted pointed out that the foreign capitalists, from 
whom the money which China needs would have to be borrowed, would prefer one 
single revenue of known yield, and would probably not accept as security a number 
of small revenues offering a certain guaranty, but coming from various sources. 
According to his idea, it would be better to appropriate one revenue already known 
and endeavor to increase its income. 

If foreign finance views it in this light, the first category and resources, /, 
increase of customs to 10 per cent, and salt tax, would fulfill these conditions, and 
for this latter even it would be necessary to clearly state that it is a question only 
of the likin on salt actually under foreign control. All these resources could be 
managed by the maritime-customs administration. If the enormous deviation 
which separates the minimum and maximum valuations is noted, one is lead to 
ask if it would not be possible to find in these resources alone the sums necessary 
for the service either of one single loan or of individual loans. 

According to an opinion given to the commission, the brokerage, commission, 
issue, and other expenses for a Chinese loan would amount to about 23 per cent of 
the nominal loan, but in the case of a loan guaranteed by all the powers, or of indi- 
vidual loans contracted by each, these expenses would be considerably decreased. 
To count these expenses at 5 per cent would be to estimate them at a very high 
sum, and very probably above the real value. 

The amount of the indemnities being provisionally fixed at £65,000,000, the 
Chinese loan at 5 per cent would amount to £85,000,000, while the loan guaranteed 
at 4i per cent by all the powers would at the maximum amount to £70,000,000. 
It is even permitted to hope that it can be contracted at 4 per cent. The money 
lenders would perhaps consent to defer the liquidation of their capital until the 
foreign control over the new revenues had increased their yield, and until the 
extinction of the old debt would have increased the disposable funds mentioned 
in paragraphs A and B. If this could be done, then China would only have to 
provide for the present for the payment of the interest at 4$ or 4 per cent on 
£70,000,000, or £3,150,000, or £2,800,000, or 20,200,000 taels, or 18,180,000, at 3.90 
francs. 

In paying the expenses of the Peking College and the Chinese legations abroad 
from the general revenues of the Chinese Government we can dispose of at least 
1,522,000 taels on the customs and likins under foreign control; the increase of the 
tariff to 5 per cent would yield a mininum of 2,500,000 taels; the native customs 
3,000,000 taels; total, 7,022,000 taels. There then remain to be found 11,158,000 or 
13,178,000 taels, according to whether the loan is contracted at 4 or 4} per cent. 
But these estimates are based on the minimum calculations, and should these fig- 
ures be exceeded in practice, as seems probable, the disposable amount, estimated 
by the commission at 7,022,000 taels, would easily reach 9,000,000. To find the 
18,000,000 or 20,000,000 necessary the following methods remain: 

Increase the customs tariff duties to 10 per cent if all the powers consent, which 
would give a minimum excess of 8,000,000 taels, and extend the measure taken for 
the 1898 loan; that is to say, place some new likin districts under the control of 
the maritime customs. Profiting by the experiments already made, 18,000,000 or 
20,000,000 taels could thus easily be obtained. 

Another system would consist of adding the salt duty to the 9,000,000 taels, 
which the commission believes it can count upon at the present moment. 

The liquidation at one-half per cent per year, necessitating 2,300,000 taels, would 
begin as soon as the disposable funds would permit of so doing, which doubtless 
would not be long delayed. 

Before concluding, the commission feels it should mention Mr. Rockhill's 
proposition to make China pay a lump sum of £40,000,000, which the interested 
powers would divide equitably among themselves in the ratio of their expenses 
and losses. If the commission has not expressed itself regarding this proposition 
it is because it was not discussed, as the diplomatic corps to which it was pro- 
posed, decided not to examine it until after learning the results of the investi- 
gation recorded in this report. 



Mr. RockhiU to Mr. Hay. 

No. 80.] Commissioner of the United States to China, 

Peking, China, May 6, 1901. 
Sir: For your information in connection with my Nos. 69 and 74, of 
April 16 and 26, respectively, concerning the handing over to the 



154 EEPOET OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 

Chinese plenipotentiaries of the archives of the Tsungli Yamen, I have 
the honor to inclose herewith copy of certain correspondence, from 
which it will be seen that the yamen and archives were duly trans- 
ferred to Prince Ching and Li Hung-chang on the 1st instant. 
I am, etc., 

W. W. ROCKHILL. 



[Inclosure 1, with dispatch No. 80.] 

Mr, Rockhill to Prince Ching and Li Hung-chang. 

Commissioner of the United States to China, 

Peking, April 16, 1901. 
Your Highness and Your Excellency: I have much pleasure in informing 
your highness and your excellency that the foreign representatives, on my sub- 
mitting to them your request that the archives of the Tsungli Yamen be handed 
over to you, have agreed to comply with this request. 

The seals of the various legations having been put on the rooms and bureaus 
containing the archives, it is desired that the seals be removed by the Chinese 
officials in the presence of an officer deputed by each legation, after which the 
archives can be removed elsewhere. 

I will be pleased to be informed at least three days beforehand of the time it 
will suit you to take possession of the archives, so that the necessary orders can 
be issued by the German military authorities, who have charge of the Tsungli 
Yamen buildings. 

I avail myself of this occasion to convey to your highness and your excellency 
the assurance of my distinguished consideration. 

W. W. Rockhill, 
United States Commissioner to China, 



[Inclosure 2, with dispatch No. 80.— Translation.] 

Prince Ching and Li Hung-chang to Mr, Rockhill, 

Peking, April 18, 1901, 
We have had the honor to receive your excellency's communication of the 16th 
instant, wherein you say that the foreign representatives, on your submitting to 
them our request that the archives of the Tsungli Yamen be handed over to us, 
have complied with this request, etc. 

In reply, we have to express to your excellency our sincere thanks for the kind- 
ness you have shown in bringing this matter to the attention of the foreign rep- 
resentatives. But the archives of the Tsungli Yamen are very numerous, and the 
important documents should be selected, examined, and looked over, and even 
then it can not be avoided omitting some of them. To remove all the archives 
from the yamen and store them would be very inconvenient. 

We have the honor, therefore, to request your excellency to do your best and 
bring this matter before your colleagues in a friendly way, asking their consent 
to the Tsungli Yamen buildings and the archives being handed over to us at an 
early date. This will enable us to forthwith examine and look over the archives 
and thus avoid the public business being interferred with. If the foreign repre- 
sentatives give their consent, after receiving your excellency's reply we will 
address their excellencies, begging them to fix a time for handing over to us the 
yamen and the archives. This we earnestly pray for. 



[Inclosure 3, with dispatch No. 80.— Translation.] 
Prince Ching and Li Hung-chang to Mr, Rockhill, 

Peking, May 4, 1901. 

Your Excellency: In the matter of handing over to us the archives of the 
Tsungli Yamen and the buildings, some time ago we requested your excellency 
to submit the question to the foreign representatives, which is a matter of record. 

On the 27th of April we had the honor to receive from the German minister, 
Dr. von Mumm, a note in which he stated that he had fixed the 1st of May as the 



I 

REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 155 

time for handing over to us the yamen and archives. We therefore deputed officers 
to act with those appointed by the foreign representatives. The archives were 
duly checked and handed over to us, together with the buildings, excepting the 
printing office and machinery of the Tung-wen Kuan, which the German Govern- 
ment retains temporarily for its use. 

We feel very grateful for the kindness your excellency has shown in this matter, 
and address this note to you to express our thanks. 

(Cards of Prince Ching and Li Hung-chang, with compliments.) 



Mr. Eockhill to Mr. Hay. 

No. 82.] Commissioner of the United States to China, 

Peking, May 7, 1901. 

Sir: The diplomatic corps held a meeting to-day for discussion of 
the report submitted to it in its last meeting on the mode of payment 
of the indemnities to be asked of China. 

Before beginning the discussion of this question the Belgian minis- 
ter stated that as a result of instructions recently received from his 
Government the total of the claim which Belgium had to present would 
be 32,358,750 francs, subject to some slight reduction. 

The French minister then stated that the official figures for his 
claims, calculated to the 1st of July, would be 286,500,000 francs, 
which might possibly be subject to a reduction of 6,000,000 francs. 
His Government would ask, for military expenses after the 1st of July, 
between six and seven millions of francs per month. 

The British minister announced that, following the example of the 
other governments, Great Britain would add its naval expenses, and 
that instead of the £4,800,000 previously given as its expenditures 
for military purposes in connection with the expedition to north 
China, it would now ask £6,500,000. All these figures bring up the 
grand total of the claims, calculated up to the 1st of July, to about 
£62,500,000 sterling, or 450,000,000 taels. 

The Russian and the French ministers then stated that it was of 
the utmost importance to ascertain at once whether the governments 
would agree to a joint guaranty of the loan, which seemed to be the 
only way for China to pay off her indebtedness. They said they had 
formal instructions to urge such a guaranty. The Japanese minister 
said that his Government believed that a loan should be made by 
China, and he gave it as his personal opinion that Japan would join 
in guaranteeing it. 

The Austrian minister expressed himself as favorable to a guaranty, 
while the Belgian, German, British, Italian, and Dutch ministers said 
they were without instructions. I confined myself to saying that the 
Government of the United States saw the greatest difficulties in the 
way of agreeing to such a proposition, and in private conversation 
with my colleagues I have repeatedly stated that it seemed to me 
highly improbable that we could possibly entertain it. 

The British and German ministers and myself having expressed the 
opinion that it seemed incumbent upon us, in view of the terms of 
the Joint Note, that China should be given an opportunity to state 
what amount of indemnity she could pay, and how she proposed 
doing it, the ministers, after some discussion, agreed to submit to the 
Chinese plenipotentiaries a statement, and of which the following is 
a translation : 

The total amount of the disbursements of the powers, as well for military expenses 
as for the losses of societies and foreign individuals and of Chinese who have suf- 



I 

156 EEPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 

fered in their person and property through their being in the employ of foreigners, 
down to, the 1st of July, amounts approximately to 450,000,000 taels, a figure 
which will be considerably increased if the occupation is to be prolonged beyond 
that date. 

In conformity with article 6 of the Joint Note accepted by His Majesty the 
Emperor of China, and according to which China will take financial measures 
acceptable to the powers, so as to guarantee the payment of the said indemnities, 
the foreign representatives ask the Chinese plenipotentiaries for a formal assur- 
ance that they recognize their liability for this sum, and they beg them to indicate 
the financial measures which China expects to take to discharge herself of this 
debt. 

I agreed to the terms of the above note on the express and formal 
understanding that it should in no wise be construed as making a 
claim of China for the amount indicated in it or as requiring of China 
any promise to pay, but that it was simply sent the plenipotentiaries 
so as to enable them to give formal expression as to the limit of China's 
ability to pay and the means she proposed taking. 

The Russian and British ministers accepted my reservations, in 
which they entirely concurred, as did tacitly the rest of the diplomatic 
body. 

I inclose a copy of a memorandum by the Russian minister advoca- 
ting the joint guarantee of the loan, abstract of which I sent you in 
mydispatch, No. 79, of May 1, 1901. 

An examination of the report of the committee on the paj^ment of 
indemnities, and the other documents I have -sent you, as well as 
the remarks of my colleagues in the meeting of to-day show that the 
only possible chance of China being able to pay the enormous amount 
which the various claims now reach would be by means of a joint 
guarantee by the powers. Without said guarantee it seems even 
improbable that China would be able to pay the forty millions of 
pounds which you have suggested as the limit beyond which the 
powers' demand should not go. 

It appears premature as yet to attempt to indicate what will be the 
solution of the question or the amount finally presented as a demand 
on China, but I am daily being strengthened in my belief that very 
considerable reductions will have to be made, even if an increase in 
the tariff of customs duties on foreign imports to a 5 per cent effective 
is agreed upon. 

I inclose herewith a translation of a communication sent me by the 
Viceroy at Wu-chang, Chang Chih-tung, giving his views on the easiest 
way for China to meet the indemnity demands of the powers; also a 
telegram from the Viceroy at Nanking, and my re*ply thereto, bearing 
on the same subject. 

I am, etc., W. W. Rockhill. 



[Inclosttre 1 in dispatch No. 82.— Translation.] 

Mr. de Giers to Mr. Pichon. 

Peking, May 1, 1901. 
Monsieur le Ministre et cher ColUgue: 

In compliance with the wish expressed by my honorable colleagues, I have to 
submit in writing to the financial committee under your excellency's presidency 
the statistical data and the conclusions they suggest to me, which I mentioned 
in this morning's meeting of the representatives of the powers. 

After consulting the market price of the various loans of powers whose financial 
condition is brilliant and also of others in a less-favored condition I find, for 
example, that the French rentes at 3 per cent, as well as the Russian 4£ per cent 



REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 157 

and the Russo-Chinese loan at 4 per cent, are all actually above par, particularly 
the first mentioned, which is at 101.37, the second at 100.5, and the third at 101.90. 

This leads me to believe that with the common guaranty of the powers China 
could readily make a loan of £70,000.000 at 4 or 4f per cent. With the guaranty 
of the powers the issuing banks would be satisfied with 7 per cent commission, 
which would leave at the disposal of China a sum of £65,100,000, sufficient for the 
payment of the indemnities. If the loan is made at 4 per cent the annual pay- 
ments would be £2,800,000, or 18,200,000 Haikwan taels, counting the pound ster- 
ling at taels 6.50. In case of a loan at 4^ per cent the annual payments would 
amount to £3,150,000, or 20,475,000 taels, respectively. 

If, furthermore, the necessary loan is made by China itself without guaranty 
of the powers, I agree entirely with the financial committee in believing that not 
less than 23 per cent of commission would be exacted for issuing this loan. Con- 
sequently, to have an available sum of £65,000,000 a loan of £84,500,000 would have 
to be negotiated. I take the liberty of doubting whether such a loan could be 
secured at 5 per cent, as the financial committee thinks it could, and I believe that 
the creditors would not be satisfied in this case with an interest less than 7 per 
cent, which for the total amount of £84,500,000 would require an annual payment 
of £5, 915,000, or 38,447,500 Haikwan taels. 

Comparing this latter figure with that of 18,200,000 taels requisite as annual 
payment on a guaranteed loan at 4 per cent, I reach the conclusion that China 
would incur a clear annual gain of 20,247,500 (sic) Haikwan taels in case this guar- 
anty of the powers was refused and if she were abandoned to her own resources for 
the loan which she needs. 

Passing to an examination of the proposal of the Government of the United 
States of America that the powers should be satisfied with a lump-sum payment 
of £40,000,000, it is necessary to state in the first place that the sum total of the 
claims of the powers being estimated at £65,000,000, this would entail on them a 
loss of 38.46 per cent of the indemnities to which they are entitled. If to secure 
these £40,000,000 China should have to do without the guaranty of the powers, 
she would be obliged under the above-mentioned conditions of 23 per cent commis- 
sion and 7 per cent interest to make a loan of £51,935,000, with annual payments 
of £3,630,450, or 23,597,925 Haikwan taels. 

On the other hand, with the guaranty of the powers, which would reduce the 
commission to 7 per cent, China could secure £40,000,000 by making a loan 
of £43,000,000, which at 4£ per cent would necessitate an annual payment of 
£1,935,000, or 12,677,500 Haikwan taels, and at 4 per cent of £1,720,000, or 
11,180,000 Haikwan taels. In the latter case the difference for China between the 
loan guaranteed by the powers and one without such guaranty would be 
12,417,925 Haikwan taels a year. 

Independently of these considerations, I have been struck by the fact that 
foreign banks, according to information which has reached me, held that the 
annual service of the Chinese loans amounted to 21,000,000 taels, whereas the 
financial committee estimated it at 24,000,000 taels, a figure which has also been 
confirmed to me by Sir Robert Hart. 

Seeking to explain the reason of such a contradiction, on examining carefully 
the printed list in a newspaper of the loans made by China and of the annual 
service of its debt, the figures for which agreed with those which had been given 
me by the inspector-general of customs, I remarked that they had been calculated 
on the basis of 1 Haikwan tael equaling 2 shillings 9 pence. 

According to this list the service of the debt should be: 



Taels. 

1901 24,564,900 

1902 24,408,200 

1903 24,408,700 

1904 23,935,300 

1914 _ _ 22,843,800 

Now, the real value of the Haikwan tael in English money has been as follows 
during the last twelve years: 

s. d. 
3 4 



Taels. 

1915 20,205,500 

1916 19,191,700 

1932 13,106,800 

1933 6,074,400 



1890 
1891 
1892 
1893 
1894 
1895 



s. 


d. 




5 


2* 


1896 


4 


11 


1897 


4 


4* 


1898 


3 


Hi 


1899 


3 


2i 


1900 


3 


3i 





2 llf 

2 lOf 

3 0i 

3 n 



That is to say, that it has always been superior to the value of 2s. 9d. used as a 
basis in the above calculation. 



158 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 

Taking as a basis the average value of the tael during the years 1896, 1897, and 
1898, the data which have been used in the calculations of the financial committee, 
and counting it consequently as equal to 3s. .079d., we obtain the following results: 
If the annual service of the debt is calculated at 24,500,000 Haikwan taels, with the 
tael equal to 2s. 9d., it would only be 21,976,000 Haikwan taels, if the value of the 
tael is taken at the above-mentioned figure of 3s. .079d. Adding to this last figure 
the yearly salaries of the personnel of the customs, calculated at 14 per cent of the 
gross revenue, or according to information supplied by Sir Robert Hart, 3,000,000 
taels, we get the figure of 24,976,080 Haikwan taels as the sum total of the indis- 
pensable yearly expenditures to be furnished from the revenues of the maritime 
customs. These revenues, as well as those from the likin, levied by the customs 
administration, amounting, according to the calculations of the financial commit- 
tee, to 28,500,000 Haikwan taels, on an average, there should therefore be a yearly 
balance from them of 3,519,920 taels; balance ought to increase yearly as the sum 
assigned to the service of the loans constantly decreases. 

Among the resources indicated by the financial committee, taking even the 
lowest figures calculated, the tax on native junks should furnish 3,000,000 taels; 
the raising of the customs tariff to an effective 5 per cent ad valorem, 2,500,000 taels; 
and their raising to 10 per cent, according to rough calulation, 10,000,000 taels 
besides the 2,500,000 above mentioned. 

Adding the above-mentioned sources of revenue, which can be concentrated in 
hands of the maritime customs administration, we reach a yearly total of 19,023,920 
taels, which a loan made at 4 per cent with the guaranty of the powers would only 
require, as has been pointed out previously, annual interest to the amount of 
18,200,000 taels, which would still leave to China a balance of 823,920 taels. 

Should the revenue of the customs not increase quite a much as expected after 
the raising of the tariff, this surplus could be used to make up the difference, and 
to the same purpose could be assigned the revenues for the customs taxes which 
it is proposed to impose on articles imported until now free of all duty as being 
destined for the use of foreigners. 

Finally, the authorization of the new loan could, even in case of necessity, only 
begin after some years, when the decrease in the sum applicable to the service of 
the old loans shall have left to the customs revenues a larger balance. 
Please accept, etc. 

Giers. 



[Translation.] 

Chang Chih-tung, Viceroy of the Liang Hu Provinces, to Mr. Wilcox, United States 

consul, Hankow. 

Wu-CHANG, April SO, 1901. 

Sir: I beg to inform you that in the matter of the question of indemnity the 
United States Government has been very moderate and equitable (in its 
demands). 

I have now received another telegram from Mr. Wu, Chinese minister at Wash- 
ington, stating that the honorable Secretary of State had repeatedly telegraphed 
his excellency Commissioner Rockhill to get the best results in all matter (dis- 
cussed) . For this I am exceedingly grateful. 

I now learn that the foreign governments demand an indemnity of 450,000,000 
taels. China could only place bonds on the market at 70, and this would require 
a loan of 600,000,000 taels to meet the above amount. A ready money payment 
(issued on bonds to mature) in thirty years, paying annually— principal and 
interest— 30,000,000 taels, would mean a total of 900,000,000 taels. On hearing this 
I was amazed and worried. The Chinese people are poor, and the debt of China 
enormous. The United States Government is fully aware of China's condition in 
this respect. 

Sometime ago I heard that the United States Government took the iniatiative 
with a view to reducing the amount of indemnity, but, although the other powers 
would not assent to the proposition made, still China is profoundly grateful for 
the great favors and kindly intention shown by the United States. The amount 
of 450,000,000 tales as indemnity is very excessive, and to negotiate a loan on that 
basis would mean that the bank doing the business, as well as the foreign govern- 
ments, would receive the same amount, which is certainly not in accordance with 
the principle of equity. 

By Article VI of the Joint Note "China shall adopt financial measures acceptable 
to the powers, for the purpose of guaranteeing, etc." This evidently refers to an 



REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 159 

indemnity to be paid during a period of years. But if ready money is paid, what 
is the use of guaranteeing payment, and what necessity is there that China's 
financial measures should be acceptable to the powers'? 

I would suggest that the United States Government first get the amount of 
indemnity reduced to the very lowest limit, and then persuade the powers to agree 
to the amount, and payment in full to be made in ten years. Further, that the 
payment of a ready-money indemnity be not demanded. 

As to the plan for providing the amount of indemnity, I may say that my pri- 
vate views are that it will take a long time for China to meet its liability, if the 
money is to be obtained in fragmentary amounts, as it would be impossible by 
this process to get together a large amount at any one time; small amounts would 
not suffice. 

The Chinese husbandman is very poor, and it would not do to increase the land 
and grain taxes he has to pay. There remains, then, the customs revenue, the likin 
revenue, and the salt revenue that could be applied to the payment of the indem- 
nity. The duties should be increased double, irrespective of goods, whether for- 
eign or native, opium whether foreign or native, or whether the duties are collected 
by the foreign or native customs. But an increase of duties on foreign goods 
would exempt them from the payment of likin. This would be a very simple, 
short, and equitable way of dealing with the matter and an easy and clear way of 
procedure. 

If the amount of indemnity could be reduced to within 400,000,000 taels, to be 
paid in tea years, then the amount received from the above three sources wou'd 
be ample. This plan is really a guarantee and should be acceptable to the powers. 

I have telegraphed the honorable Secretary of State, the British, German, and 
Japanese Governments, asking that this proposition be considered, and now 
express the hope that you will telegraph his excellency Mr. Commissioner Rock- 
hill, asking him to consider the question of a reduced indemnity, to be paid in a 
period of years, and not demand a ready-money payment. For this I shall feel 
grateful. 

The above plan is merely my private views on the subject. I should be glad to 
have you ascertain by telegraph without delay Mr. Rockhill's views on the subject, 
in order that I may present the question to my Government and to the minister 
superintendent of southern trade for due consideration. 

Card of Chang Chih-tung, with compliments. 



[Telegram.] 

Shiakwan, May 7, 1901. 
Rockhill, Peking: 

Viceroy begs me to ask you urge all the powers to reduce indemnity and accept 
installment plan. 

Martin. 



[Telegram.] 

Peking, China, May 7, 1901. 
American Consul, Nanking. 

Tell viceroy, confidentially, foreign ministers are writing to Chinese plenipoten- 
tiaries saying disbursements of powers calculated to July 1 and all claims amount 
to 450,000,000 taels. They ask China to state what financial measure they propose 
taking to meet demand when made. This affords China opportunity stating her 
ability to pay and financial measure proposed. 

Viceroy should urge his views through Chinese plenipotentiaries. United States 
will do all it can to prevent lasting financial embarrassment to China. We prefer 
administrative reform and increased privileges to foreign trade to large cash 
indemnity. 

Rockhill. 

(Same to United States consul at Hankow, May 9, 1901.) 



160 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 

Mr. BocJchill to Mr. Hay. 

No. 85.] Commissioner of the United States to China, 

Peking, May IS, 1901. 

Sir: On the 9th instant the diplomatic corps held a meeting in which 
the inclosed letter from the Chinese plenipotentiaries concerning modi- 
fication of Court ceremonial as regards reception of foreign ministers 
was read and an answer agreed upon. 

In my dispatch No. 69, of April 16, 1901, I inclosed translation of a 
letter from Field Marshal Count von Waldersee concerning the mili- 
tary measures necessary to carrying out Articles VIII and IX of the 
Joint Note and of the reply made to it by the diplomatic corps. This 
reply was met by another letter from the field marshal, dated April 29. 
The diplomatic corps considered to-day the advisability of making a 
reply to it, and decided to defer doing so, after a prolonged discussion 
of the question. The military authorities, as is shown by the letter of 
the marshal, which I inclose, are desirous of separating the question of 
the presentation of the indemnity claim from that of the guarantees 
for its payment to be given by China, and think that the evacuation 
should only commence after the first demand has been made. The dip- 
lomatic corps is of opinion, however, that the two questions should 
not be separated. In the rather desultory discussion which was had 
on this letter of the field marshal it developed that the majority of the 
ministers were of opinion that reduction of the forces should be made 
at once and that the Chinese authorities should be more and more 
associated in the local administration. The French minister is particu- 
larly active in urging this view, in which I availed myself of every 
opportunity to express my hearty concurrence. 

On the 11th instant the diplomatic corps held another meeting for 
the consideration of questions connected with the Provisional Govern- 
ment at Tientsin and the so-called diplomatic quarter of this city. 
In connection with the latter subject, the French minister asked that 
a categorical answer should be given by all present, whether they 
accepted or not the creation of a glacis around the diplomatic quarter, 
which had been strongly advocated by the military commission in its 
report, copy of which was sent you in Mr. Conger's No. 536, of Feb- 
ruary 16 last. The British minister and I said that we were in 
the impossibility of agreeing to it; that the whole subject had been 
referred to our Governments. Pending the receipt of instructions, 
each legation could do, within the ground which it occupied, whatever 
it pleased. The French and German ministers are particularly inter- 
ested in the question, as on part of the ground which they wish to con- 
vert into a glacis American citizens (Mr. Lowry and Dr. Coltman) 
hold property which they now want to improve. I was asked if I 
could not prevent them taking any steps in this direction until the 
question of the glacis had been finally settled. This I declined to do, 
stating that I could in no way restrict the rights of American property 
owners in China. 

In my dispatch No. 36, of March 7, I referred to a resolution of the 
diplomatic corps of November 6 of last year, sent to you by Mr. Conger 
on the 4th of March, in his dispatch No. 558. This resolution having 
again come up before the diplomatic corps in connection with prop- 
erty owned by American citizens in this quarter, I informed my col- 
leagues that pending receipt of categorical instructions from you I 
refused to consider myself in any way bound by its terms ; that Mr. 
Conger had agreed to it subject to the approval of his Government^ 



EEPOET OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 161 

this approval not having as yet been given, I did not propose to inquire 
into the property titles of any American citizen here, whether any 
had acquired property since the 20th of June of last year or not. 
This question is an important one, and may give rise to frequent mis- 
understandings. I beg that I may be instructed on the subject, as I 
requested in my dispatch of March 7. 

A letter from the Chinese plenipotentiaries, making objection to car- 
rying out the provisions of the Joint Note concerning the suspension 
of examinations in the cities and towns where foreigners had been 
murdered or cruelly treated, was also read to the diplomatic corps, and 
an answer was agreed upon. I inclose translation of both these papers. 

The conservancy of the Whangpu River is one of the questions 
which interest most deeply the mercantile community of Shanghai, 
and the present moment appearing opportune for having this much- 
needed work undertaken and a Conservancy Board created, the diplo- 
matic corps, in its meeting of the 9th, appointed a commission, com- 
posed of the French, German, and British ministers and myself, to 
report on the question and recommend a plan for carrying it out. I 
have good hope that this most important undertaking for foreign trade 
will be promptly put in the way of final settlement. 
I have, etc., 

W. W. Rockhill. 



Prince Cliing and Li Hung-chang to 21. de Cologan. 
[Translation.] 

Peking, April 29, 1901. 
Your Excellency: On the 18th of April we had the honor to receive a commu- 
nication from your excellency in which you submitted the conclusions arrived at 
by the foreign representatives in regard to the ceremonial to be observed at audi- 
ences of His Majesty the Emperor. 

Though the ceremonial is in accordance with the form prevailing in the Euro- 
pean countries and the United States, still there are certain points which we find 
it difficult to comply with. They are four in number, which we submit for the 
consideration of the foreign representatives: 

1. As to general audiences being held in the T'ai-ho Tien, we would point out that 
this throne hall is used by the Emperor, who ascends the throne on the occasion of 
great celebrations and when His Majesty receives New Year's congratulations. 
When the Emperor ascends the throne, the insignia carried before the Emperor, 
the Emperor's traveling equipage or escort, the whip which is cracked, and the 
band of music must be arranged in due order. The princes, dukes, and civil and 
military officers are assigned places in the courtyard where are the stones mark- 
ing their rank. The rules are very strict, and not the least disorder will be allowed. 
The Emperor must appear in full court dress, and the forms of etiquette are mul- 
tifarious. It is therefore inconvenient to hold audiences granted to foreign repre- 
sentatives there. If a change is made and audiences held in another hall, this 
would seem to be more suitable. 

2. In the matter of the foreign representative presenting his letters of credence, 
or a letter from the head of his State, on which occasion an Imperial sedan chair 
should be sent for him, we would state that it is not convenient to send the chair 
the Emperor rides in. The Imperial Household naturally should prepare a sedan 
chair, such as used by the high officials of the first rank, to be sent for the minister. 
This would be in accordance with the rules of state. There is practically no dif- 
ference in the above system to that prevailing in European countries. 

3. As to the question that the foreign representatives should be taken to the steps 
of the audience hall and should be taken back therefrom, we would observe that 
heretofore princes, dukes, and ministers of state, on going to the Forbidden city, 
alight from their chairs outside of the Tung Hua gate and the Hsi Hua gate, as the 
case may be. An exception, however, has been made by special decree in the case 
of Prince Kung, the uncle of the Emperor, and Prince Chun, the father of the 
Emperor, who are permitted to take their chairs to the Ching Yun gate on the east 
side and to the Lung Tsung gate on the west side. In European countries the 

S. Doc. 67 11 



162 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 

foreign representatives take the carriages, but they are not allowed to go to the 
front of the steps of the audience hall. It appears that there is no distinction 
made in this rule. The question should receive further consideration and changes 
be made. 

. 4. As to the question that if banquets are given, as has been done in previous years, 
these should take place in the Chien-ching Kung and the Emperor should assist in 
person, we may observe that the ceremonial at banquets given by sovereigns of 
foreign countries to diplomatic representatives is not the same. That banquets 
should be given in the Chien-ching Kung and the Emperor assist in person is still a 
trivial matter, and changes can be made by way of accommodation or compromise. 
But as to banquets being given, this is a matter optional (with the Emperor), and 
one that can await further discussion. 

The above we present as being our views for your excellency's further consid- 
eration. 

In a word, no matter what form of courtesy China shows to the foreign repre- 
sentatives, on no account will it be other than on a footing of equality between the 
two countries concerned without loss of prestige. 

In sending this communication to your excellency as dean of the diplomatic 
corps, we beg that you will confer with your colleagues and favor us with a reply. 



M. de Cologan to the Chinese plenipotentiaries. 

[Translation.] 

Peking, May, 1901. 

Highness and Excellency: On the 29th of April I had the honor to receive 
your communication in reply to the one which I had sent you on the 18th, and to 
inform you of the views of my colleagues on the subject of the Court ceremonials 
on the reception of foreign representatives by His Majesty the Emperor. 

My colleagues request me to inform you in reply to your letter that the hall of 
the Imperial Palace called Chien-ching Kung, which they pointed out as the best 
for the audiences to separate foreign representatives with His Majesty, being also 
suitable for audiences given to the whole diplomatic corps, they modify the demand 
transmitted in my letter of the 18th of April in that sense. The Chien-ching Kung 
shall be the hall in which shall take place all solemn audiences given by His 
Majesty the Emperor to the representatives of the powers, whether individually 
or collectively. 

As to the Imperial sedan chair which should be sent to the dwelling of the repre- 
sentative of a foreign power, etc., for the presentation of his letters of credence, 
etc., my colleagues understand by that that it shall be a sedan chair of the Imperial 
color, similar to those used by His Majesty. 

The explanations which you have given concerning the place where the foreign 
ministers should get out of and get back into their sedan chairs when they shall 
be admitted into imperial audiences have not seemed satisfactory to my colleagues, 
who insist in this connection, and subject to the modification accepted by them in 
the choice of the hall, on the right which they have asked for. In consequence 
they will leave and take again their chairs at the foot of the steps leading up to 
the hall. 

Regarding the banquets which His Majesty the Emperor might give to the rep- 
resentatives of the powers, my colleagues request me to inform you that the only 
bearing of their demand is to prevent that hereafter the Emperor shall invite 
them in another building than one of those of the Imperial palace, and shall be 
represented at the banquets offered by him and in his name by some one else. 
But it never entered into their minds to make it obligatory for His Majesty to send 
to the diplomatic agents invitations to dinner. 
I avail myself of this opportunity, etc., 

B. J. de Cologan. 



Field Marshal Count von Waldersee to M. de Cologan. 
[Translation. ] 

Peking, April 29, 1901. 

Your Excellency: I hasten to forward to your excellency, after a confer- 
ence with the commanders of the contingents of the allied troops, the following 
reply to your letter of the 25th instant! 

1. The following powers will bear their share in the 6,000 men to be left behind 
in Tientsin and the district belonging to it: Great Britain, France, Germany, and 
Japan, each 1,400 men; Italy, 400 men. 



REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 163 

For the 1,500 men to be left behind in Shanhaikwan-Chin-wangtao, Great Brit- 
ain, France, Japan, Russia, and Germany will each furnish 300 men. Italy 
wishes to leave a company there until the forts are razed. 

2. As long as Chinese territory remains occupied by troops of the allied contin- 
gents the military commanders must have full authority over the civil adminis- 
tration. This has also been laid down in principle in the proceedings of the 
Hague conference in the year 1899. It is possible, and it would even be of 
advantage for both parties, that the Chinese authorities should retain their func- 
tions, as is now the case entirely in Paotingf u and partly in Tientsin. 

In Tientsin and the administrative district appertaining to it, which reaches 
as far as Taku and comprises both banks of the Peiho, 6,000 men of the interna- 
tional troops have to be quartered in the future, and to these must be added 600 
French troops destined for the protection of t.he railroad and numerous small 
detachments of all contingents for the protection of the various military estab- 
lishments in Tongku and below it. We must therefore also reckon the ships of 
war which will be always stationed in the Peiho to keep up communication with 
the international fleet lying in the roadstead of Taku. To permit that under any 
circumstances these should be dependent upon a Chinese mandarin is an impos- 
sibility. 

Friction would at once arise which might lead to dire conflicts, and such a 
measure should be avoided. 

The placing of the civil administration under military supervision would also 
have the great advantage that it would be very unpleasant for the Chinese Gov- 
ernment, and that this latter would therefore do its best to get rid of the situation 
by a speedy f ulfillment of the terms of peace. 

When the time comes for the reduction of the troops occupying Tientsin to 
2,000 (?) men, it would be possible to accommodate them in the concessions, and 
it might be taken into consideration that then Chinese civil administration might 
be allowed in full measure. 

3. The creation of a commander in chief is desirable for purely military rea- 
sons. Whatever be the measures taken in case of trouble, there must be a single 
center from which the orders emanate, and these should also apply to the 2,000 
men of the garrison in Peking. 

4. According to my information, it is not quite correct to say that only banner 
troops were quartered in Peking, for I understand that there was also a strong gar- 
rison of troops with modern armament. 

5. To provide for the commencement of the evacuation of Peking it would be 
advisable to allow the Chinese authorities for four weeks previously a greater 
share of responsibility than hitherto, but they must always be under military 
control. 

6. As regards the question as to whether at present a partial evacuation of 
Pechili might be carried out, opinions were divided. The British, Japanese, and 
German commanders were of the opinion, which I share, that such an evacuation 
can not take place before China has accepted the sum total of the indemnity to be 
paid, while the French commander informed me that he had proposed to his Gov- 
ernment to withdraw 8,000 to 9,000 men, beginning fourteen days "hence and finish- 
ing in six weeks' time, and that preparations for this had been made. He added 
that he would only leave colonial troops here, in view of the difficult climatic con- 
ditions to be encountered. The Italian and Austrian commanders were without 
instructions on this point. General Chaffee offered no observations. Russia was 
not represented, as General de Wogack could not be present. 

All the commanders have requested me to inform your excellency, and to request 
that you will inform the diplomatic corps of the following opinions, which they 
adopted unanimously: 

In view of the approaching hot weather, which will be very disadvantageous for 
the health of the troops, and in view of the difficult nature of the roadstead of 
Taku, the question of the evacuation of Pechili is an extremely difficult one, which 
calls for the most earnest consideration and in which delay will, in addition to an 
enormous increase in the cost of the war, cause probably the loss of many hun- 
dreds of soldiers, and the retention of the troops perhaps till next winter. 

We are unanimously of the opinion that the question would find a quicker solu- 
tion if the fixing of the amount of the indemnity were treated separately from the 
manner in which China is to raise the money. 

The second part of the question may, in view of the difficulties of the matter, 
require several months for its solution. If the question of the indemnity is first 
taken in hand and China declares its readiness to pay the sum demanded, the time 
would have come for beginning the evacuation, the completion of which would 
even then take several months, so that the reduction of the army of occupation 
would be very gradual. We are convinced 2,000 in Peking, 6,000 men in the Tient- 



164 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 

sin district, 1,500 men in Shanhaikwan, and about 3,000 men along the railway — 
in all, 12,500 men — with an international fleet at the Taku roadstead, and an inter- 
national garrison in Shanghai, with a fleet at the Woosung roadstead, will be abso- 
lutely sufficient to force China to accept our conditions as to how the indemnity is 
to be paid. 

Count Waldersee, Field Marshal. 



The Chinese plenipotentiaries to M. de Cologan. 

[Translation.] 

Peking, May 4, 1901. 

Your Excellency: On the 2d of May we received from the Grand Council, at Si 
An, a telegram stating that the governor of Hunan had wired that by the terms 
of the Joint Note there shall be a " suspension of all official examinations for five 
years in all the towns where foreigners have been massacred." It appears that in 
the matter of the missionary cases in Wei-yang and Ching-chuan, in the Hunan 
province, these were the result of trouble brought about by rebels, and not the 
literati, and naturally the order of suspension should not apply there. The 
trouble only occurred in the towns of Huang-sha-wan and Chiang-tzu-k'ou, in 
the jurisdiction of the above-named districts. Even if the examinations were to 
be suspended, it should only be done at the two towns mentioned, where the 
trouble occurred. The suspension of examinations merely refers to places where 
the Boxers created trouble last year. This rule should not apply to missionary 
cases that occurred in other places. If the examinations must be suspended, it 
would see;n necessary to clearly state that the suspension shall apply to the two 
towns where the trouble occurred, and not involve the whole province. This is 
important for the sake of justice and fairness. 

Having received the above we would beg to observe that in the matter of the 
suspension Ol examinations, correspondence on the subject have passed between 
the foreign representatives and ourselves, but nothing has been definitely settled. 

We embrace the opportunity, however, of again expounding our views in a clear 
and minute way. 

The suspension of examinations for the period of five years refers to the people 
living in the places where disturbances occurred — the result of the Boxer move- 
ment — who can not compete during that time: it has no reference to places where 
disturbances occurred, not the result of the Boxer movement. Take, for instance, 
Peking, where last year a revolution took place, resulting in loss of life to foreigners 
of all nationalities. The native scholars resident in the capital are punished by 
the examinations not being opened to them, which is perfectly right and proper, but 
Peking is the capital of China, and the Chii jen of the various provinces come here to 
enter the metropolitan examinations. Then, as to the examinations for the sec- 
ond degree in the Shun-tien prefecture, we may add that these are open to senior 
licentiates and students of the imperial academy of the southern, northern, and 
central provinces. This examination is not confined alone to students of the 
metropolitan prefecture. If the metropolitan examinations for the third degree 
and the metropolitan prefecture examinations for the second degree are to be 
suspended, then in that case the students of all the provinces will not be able to 
compete for the above degrees, and as a result of disturbances in many cities and 
towns the scholars of the Empire would all thus be cut off from entering the 
official carrier. Besides, it is the illiterate vagabonds who cause trouble, and by 
such a mode of procedure the peaceable, law-abiding scholars would in like man- 
ner be implicated with them. Would this be strictly in accordance with justice? 
Besides, foreign missionaries are a class associated with the scholars of China, 
and if the examinations at Peking are suspended to scholars this would create a 
feeling of enmity which would not be befitting. 

We therefore ask that the examinations be suspended only to persons resident 
in the places where it is right they should be prohibited, but not to those not liv- 
ing in said cities or towns where the disturbances occurred. The examinations of 
an entire prefecture or district should not be suspended; a discrimination should 
be made. The suspension of examinations for five years should apply to places 
where the Boxers created trouble last year; other places should not be affected by 
this ruling. 

In sending this communication to your excellency, we beg that you will confer 
with your colleagues on this subject, and favor us with a reply, in order that a 
memorial may be sent to the Throne, asking the issuance of a decree in reference 
to the places contained in the list forwarded to us some time ago re suspension of 
examinations. 



EEPOET OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 165 

M. de Cologan to the Chinese plenipotentiaries. 

[Translation.] 

Peking, May 11, 1901. 

Highness, Excellency: You requested nie in your note of the 4th of May to 
communicate to my colleagues a telegram from the Grand Council concerning the 
cities in which examinations should be suspended during five years, in compliance 
with Article II of the Joint Note. 

You explain in this connection that in your mind the suspension of examina- 
tions would consist "in the interdiction for residents in localities in which troubles 
had taken place to present themselves for the examinations during a period of five 
years, and not in forbidding for five years that examinations should be held in the 
localities where troubles had occurred." 

It is, on the contrary, this last interpretation which is the true one. To con- 
vince yourself of it it suffices to look at the text of paragraph B, Article II, of the 
Joint Note, accepted by His Majesty the Emperor of China. This paragraph reads 
as follows: 

•'Suspension of all official examinations for five years in all the cities where for- 
eigners have been massacred or have been subjected to cruel treatment." 

You observe, in support of your explanations, that at Peking the suspension of 
examinations would be prejudicial to people of all the provinces who had not taken 
part in the trouble of last year, and you add that "'those guilty of the disorders 
were a 1 illiterate men and rascals. *' You show yourself, in thus speaking, severe 
on the Princes and high officials whom you have already recognized as responsible 
for the crimes to which you refer. We doubt whether the criminals can be con- 
sidered as illiterate people, but we do not contest that they behaved themselves 
like rascals. 

On the contrary, it is, speaking in a general way, the literati who have always 
been — particularly so last year — the true authors or accomplices of the antiforeign 
movement, and the Chinese people are only responsible for having allowed them- 
selves to be dragged into the movement. 

The representatives of the powers, therefore, insist on the demands which they 
have made of you, and which are entirely in conformity with Article II of the note 
which you have accepted. 

I avail myself, etc., B. J. de Cologan. 



Mr. Rockhill to Mr. Hay. 

No. 86.] Commissioner of the United States to China, 

Peking, China, May 16, 1901. 
Sir : I have the honor to confirm as follows my telegram to you of 
the 12th inst: 

Twelfth. Chinese reply to note referred to in my telegram of 7th has been 
received. It proposes annual payments 15,000,000 taels, of which 10 from the 
gabelle, 3 from the native customs, and 2 from the likin. Maritime customs to 
see that monthly payments are regularly made into authorized banks which would 
transmit proportion to each power. Payments to cpmmence July. 1902. Refers 
to extreme financial embarrassments which must result. Begs powers to reduce 
amount and to agree to increase by one-third the present tariff. 

A copy of the full text of the reply of the Chinese plenipotentiaries, 
as above referred to, and a translation thereof, are herewith inclosed. 
I am, sir, your obedient servant, , 

W. W. Rockhill. 



[Translation.— Original written in French.! 

Reply of the Chinese plenipotentiaries to the note sent them on the 16th instant by 
the foreign Representatives, asking the means China proposed taking to pay the 
indemnities to be asked. 

[Received by M. de Cologan May 11, 1901.] 

(After acknowledging the receipt of the communication of the representatives 
of the powers, the Chinese plenipotentiaries continue as follows: ^ 

The principle of indemnity having been decided upon and consented to by Clause 
VI of the convention can only be admitted without discussion. Nevertheless, we 



166 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 

can not refrain from remarking that the enormous figure of 450,000,000 taels indi- 
cated in the communication of the representatives of the powers exceeds all our 
previsions. 

The annual revenue of China does not exceed 88,000,000 taels, a sum barely suf- 
ficient to defray public expenses. But in recent years, through unforeseen events, 
new obligations have been added to the ordinary expenses in the shape of loans, 
the sinking funds and the interest on which amount to more than 20,000,000 taels 
annually, and consequently at the present time the revenues of the State no longer 
suffice for its expenses. These latter being furthermore increased by the enormous 
figure of the indemnity, the representatives of the powers will understand without 
trouble the nature of the new difficulties and our embarrassment. 

If we had to undertake to find in new sources of revenue the means of pro- 
viding for these increasing obligations, the carrying out of the measures to be 
taken to attain that end would require considerable time and would entail delays 
the length of which it is impossible for us to foresee. 

All that we can do for the present is to find among the already known sources 
of revenue, however insufficient they may be, portions which willingly or unwill- 
ingly can be diverted to guarantee the payment of the indemnity, reserving to 
determine, on the other hand, the means necessary to supply the domestic deficit 
which will result therefrom. 

After careful deliberation, we propose for the time being to take from the reve- 
nues of the gabelle an annual sum of 10,000,000 taels. from those of the native 
customs 8.000,000 taels, and from those of the likins 2,000,000 taels, in all 15,000,000 
taels, a sum which can always be completed if necessary by means of an additional 
levy from the 10,000,000 taels of the metropolitan chest. There would thus be an 
annual fixed sum of 15,000,000 taels reserved and specially devoted to the payment 
of the indemnity, and the Imperial Maritime Customs would be intrusted with 
taking the necessary measures for insuring its regularity. Beginning with the 
twenty-eighth year of Kuang-hsii (July, 1902), the customs would make monthly 
payments of 1,250,000 taels into the formally authorized banks, and out of these 
funds the banks would transmit to each one of the interested powers the propor- 
tional part allotted to it by the committee of the powers. In this way within a 
term of thirty years this whole debt of 450,000.000 taels would be paid off. 

Nevertheless, although China thinks it possible for her to provide for these new 
obligations, the financial difficulties which would result are such that we hope the 
representatives of the powers will feel that there is ground for reducing the enor- 
mous figure indicated in their communication, and that with the object of pre- 
venting in some degree the deficit produced by taking these funds from the Chinese 
treasury they will consent that one- third above the present tariff be hereafter levied 
on all customs payments. Their excellencies would thereby show to China the 
sentiment of justice which animates them and their desire to maintain a cordial 
understanding. 

Such are the broad lines of the mode of procedure which we deem as a commence- 
ment we should submit to the examination of the representatives of the powers in 
reply to their communication, and we beg them to do us the honor to give us their 
opinion, so that we may be in a position to enter without delay into details of the 
steps which still remain to be taken by both parties to reach a satisfactory settle- 
ment of this question of indemnity. 



Mr. Rockhill to Mr. Hay. 

No. 88.] Commissioner of the United States to China, 

Peking, China, May 16, 1901. 

Sir: Mr. Conger, in his dispatch No. 552 of February 28 last 
reported the execution of the notorious ex-governor of Shan-hsi, Yu 
Hsien. I now have the honor to inclose translation of a letter received 
a few days ago by the dean of the diplomatic corps from a missionary 
resident in Lan-chou, the capital of Kan-su, where Yti Hsien was 
executed, reporting the particulars of his death. 

As of possible interest, I inclose also an extract from a native letter 
from Hsi-an Fu, published in a recent issue of the Shanghai Mercury, 
giving an account of the death of Chao Shu-chiao, Prince Chuang, 
and Ying-Nien. 

I am, etc., W. W. Rockhill. 



REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 167 

[Translation.] 

Lan-chou, March 6, 1901. 
His Excellency the Minister of Spain, Peking. 

Excellency: On the 27th of February I received frpm your excellency a tele- 
gram requesting evidence as to the death of Yii Hsien. 

The execution of this latter is so little in doubt that I immediately answered you 
by telegraph: "Decapitated 22d February, 5 o'clock in the morning." If the dis- 
patch was not sent the same day it was because the operator who has charge of 
European telegrams was for the time being absent. 

Here are the principal proofs of the death of Yii Hsien. In the first place the 
suicide of the governor, or rather of the Fan-tai (provincial treasurer) who was 
occupying the place of the governor appointed but not yet arrived. The said 
governor Li, formerly an official of Tai-yuan, had treated Yii Hsien, formerly his 
superior, with high regard, due to his title of ex-governor: not as a rebel and an 
exile. So as not to have the blood of a superior on his hands and to thereby bring 
upon himself the reproach of a crime nearly parricidal, he advised Yii Hsien to 
commit suicide. Yii Hsien refused. On this, on the day of the n3w year, the 
governor committed suicide. 

The next day, and particularly the day after, the excitement grew greater and 
greater among the people. Notices were posted up even inciting the people to 
revolt. The Nieh-tai (provincial judge) had them torn down at once and had 
numerous arrests made. Toward 9 o'clock in the evening he called a meeting of 
the council officials and proposed that in view of the tendency of the people to 
revolt, the day. of the execution should be advanced. (It had previously been 
fixed for the 6th. ) Toward midnight the judge sent a detachment of soldiers to 
guard the street, and he himself went to the dwelling of Yii Hsien and notified 
him of his sentence. On hearing this Yii Hsien ordered two of his wives to com- 
mit suicide, and he nailed up their coffins, which* had been got ready beforehand, 
after which he continued to write letters. 

The Neih tai waited in the street. It was already dawn when the judge asked 
the condemned man for a second time to deliver himself into the hands of justice. 
As Yii Hsien had been a governor, he was not to die by the hand of the ordinary 
executioner. A military officer was intrusted with the execution. 

Arriving on the threshold of the door, the Neih- tai commanded Yii Hsien to kneel, 
and he was executed. The first blow missed, so a servant of Yii Hsien's took 
a knife and, to spare his master useless suffering, cut his throat. This was between 
4 and 5 o'clock in the morning. 

Such is the narrative which an eyewitness employed by a mandarin made the 
same day to a Christian. Another one showed him the place of execution. An 
official also present told the same story to Madame Splingaerd. 

Add to this that down to the present day nobody contradicts this narrative; 
this would be impossible if Yii Hsien were still living. 

Please accept, Mr. Minister, the assurances of my most respectful considera- 
tion, etc. 

Louis de Maessihalch (Maesster?), 

Missionaire. 



Extract from ''Shanghai Mercury," May 8. 

THE DEATH OF CHAO SHU-CHIAO. 

This ex-president of the board of punishments was ordered to commit suicide. 
But on the 25th of the twelfth month last year the edict ordered imprisonment 
until execution, and the provincial judge was already charged with his custody 
and his relatives had gone to the judge's yamen to await the end. The day before 
the Empress said to the privy council: "As a matter of fact Chao Shu-chiao did 
not patronize the Boxer movement, only he should not have told me that the 
Boxer people were not important. " 

When Chao heard of these words he secretly rejoiced and hoped that the old 
Empress would reprieve him. On the 29th there were many outside rumors that 
the western men would condemn Chao Shu-Chiao to death; whereupon the 
gentry and people of Hsian all rose up against it, and 300 of them presented a 
petition to the privy council, saying that the whole city wished to save Chao Shu- 
Chiao from death. But the council did not dare to present their petition to the 
throne. Hsueh Yen-Sheng, president of the board of punishments, who is Chao's 
maternal uncle, remarked: " If Chao is beheaded, where are there left any heav- 



168 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 

enly principles of right ? " But the reports became more pressing, and the council, 
from 6 o'clock to 11 o'clock, held a consultation with the Empress, but could not 
decide to put Chao to death. Meantime the streets were fast filling with people 
who threatened to release Chao on the way to the execution ground and kill some 
of the high officials at the same time. The council took fright and asked the 
Empress to grant Chao the privilege of self-destruction. Tsen Chun-hsuan came 
forward and recited the decree. Chao knelt and said: " Is there a later decree? " 
Tsen replied, "No." Chao said that there must be another decree. Chao's wife 
said to him, " Let us both die together;" whereupon they both swallowed gold 
leaf. But from 11 to 3 p. m. it had no effect, and a lively conversation with their 
friends was carried on regarding what should be done after their death. They 
deeply mourned the fact that they left a mother over 90 years old to mourn their 
end. During this time their friends and relatives crowded to see them until Tsen 
Chun-hsuan stopped them. We heard that Chao told his friends. " It is Kang-I 
who has done for me." Tsen. on seeing that Chao's voice was yet clear as a bell 
and no prospect of dying, ordered him to take opium, but still he did not die; 
whereupon arsenic was administered. Then for the first time he lay down groan- 
ing, begging his friends to rub his chest. He merely said he felt bad. By this 
time it was 11 o'clock at night, and Tsen became impatient and said: " Six p. m. 
was the hour fixed for the execution, and still he is not dead." The attendants 
then suggested to him to employ tough paper soaked in brandy to suffocate him. 
This was done until the body was cold and gave forth no sound. His wife wept 
and committed suicide. Chaos friends say that this is proof that his constitution 
was very robust. But others say that he took only a little opium, hoping for a 
reprieve. 

DEATH OF PRINCE CHUANG. 

He awaited his fate at Pu Chow in Shansi at the guest house there. His con- 
cubine and sons were with him. The order to execute him was given to Ko Pao- 
hua, who arrived at the gate early in the morning. Prince Chuang, hearing the 
firing of the usual guns at the reception of great officials, came out and cursed 
them, saying: " Why do you fire guns without any reason?" The bystanders said: 
"The Imperial commissioner Ko Pao-hua has come to see you."* Chuang said: 
1 ' What has he to do with my affairs ?" They replied: ' ' The Imperial commissioner 
is merely passing this way. " When Ko entered, Chuang inquired minutely regard- 
ing the fortunes of the court, but Ko did not say much in reply. Behind the guest 
house there is an ancient temple. When Ko saw that there was a small empty room 
of one chien, he fixed on this as the scene of Chuang's death, and fixing the silken 
cord on a beam he locked the door and returned to Chuang. He then ordered the 
magistrate of Pu Chow and the local military to pro vi de soldiers. He at once ordered 
Chuang to kneel and listen to the edict. Hearing this Chuang straightened up 
and said to Ko: " Do vou want my head ? " Ko did not reply, merely reading the 
edict. Chuang replied : * * I must commit suicide. Is that it ? I knew long ago that 
I must die, but probably the Old Buddha 1 herself can not live long. May I take 
leave of my family ? " He was told to dispatch his farewells quickly. Chuang said 
to his son: "You must exert all your might for your country. Do not allow the 
foreigner to seize your ancestors' realm." The son was unable to reply for weep- 
ing, while his concubine fainted clean away. Chuang asked where he was to die, 
and on being led to the place he entered and saw the silk cord depending from the 
beam, remarking as he caught sight of it: "Your excellency has managed the 
affair admirably and with dispatch." In an hour he was dead. 

DEATH OF YING NIEN. 

Ying Nien was a man of no courage. When he heard of Chao Shu Chiao's 
imprisonment he used to spend whole nights in weeping, saying: " Prince Ching 
ought not to desert me like this ! " On New Year's Day everybody was too busy 
to mind him much. But at midnight suddenly there was a silence. The next day 
at noon his family knew that he had fallen to the earth and breathed his last. 
They rushed to the spot and found that his mouth was stuffed full of mud. At 
this the edict had not yet arrived, and so they did not venture to make his death 
public. But when the edict came on the 3d they reported to Governor Tsen that 
Ying Nien was already dead. 

1 The Empress Dowager is popularly called by this name. (W. W. K.) 



REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 169 

Mr. Rockhill to Mr. Hay. 

No. 89.] Commissioner of the United States to China, 

Peking, China, May 20, 1901. 

Sir : The difficulty for the representatives of the powers to arrive 
at' any kind of understanding, either as to the amount of the indem- 
nities to be asked of China or the mode of payment, is becoming more 
apparent day by day. None of the methods suggested as to the mode 
of paying the indemnities meet with approval. 

On the 14th of this month the British minister handed me confi- 
dentially a memorandum, copy and translation of which I inclose for 
your information. 

So far as I can ascertain from my colleagues the British and Japanese 
Governments are the only ones which think we should insist, in case 
we have to give the Chinese increase of their import customs tariff, 
on obtaining from China compensating commercial concessions. 

Russia, France, and Germany are willing to see the present tariff 
on imports raised to 10 per cent, if by so doing they can obtain more 
promptly the payment of their claims against China. 

The Russian minister, and I fancy his French colleague will side 
with him, is most persistent in his desire to separate the financial from 
the commercial question here, while the Japanese minister and myself 
are equalty convinced that the two must be treated together, and that 
if we make tariff concessions to China without securing settlement 
of the commercial questions we lose the most powerful leverage we 
have here and expose ourselves to years of desultory discussion with 
China before we may be able to settle one of the questions which so 
pre judiciously affect foreign trade. 

The Russian and French Governments are emphatic in their decla- 
rations that the only mode acceptable to them for the payment of the 
indemnity by China is a loan with joint guaranty by the powers; this 
would result, possibly, in breaking up at an early date the present 
concert of the powers, which must endure, though perhaps somewhat 
limited, if the plan of paying the indemnity by the issue of bonds to 
run for thirty or forty-five years is adopted. 

The British minister to-day read me the last instruction he had 
received from his Government on the subject of the payment of the 
indemnity. It practically reproduced the previous memorandum, 
with the exception of the proposition to reduce the amount of 
450,000,000 taels to 400,000,000. I telegraphed you this afternoon, 
giving the substance of the British memorandum and the later instruc- 
tion of the British Government. 

The diplomatic corps will hold a meeting the day after to-morrow, 
to consider the reply of the Chinese plenipotentiaries indicating the 
means China proposes for paying the indemnities to the powers. From 
present indications, however, I greatly fear that it will take a great 
deal of telegraphing before anything definite is accomxDlished, most of 
my colleagues being apparently without any liberty of action whatever. 

The wisdom of the proposal which you made to the powers in the 
early part of the year, to hold a conference in Europe or America for 
the settlement of these questions is made from day to day more appar- 
ent, and their refusal to accept your proposal is a source of constant 
regret to me. 

I am, etc., W. W. Rockhill. 



170 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 

No. 89.] 

[Inclosure 2.— Translation.] 
Memorandum by Sir Ernest Satoiv May 14, 1901. 

In view of the importance of the sum of 450,000,000 taels and the condition of 
the money market, a loan under the ordinary conditions would be impossible. 

Three points noted: 

First. Prevent the bankruptcy of China. 

Second. The increase of the import duties beyond 5 per cent ad valorem is 
inadmissible, unless the questions indicated in article 11 of the Joint Note are settled 
in a satisfactory manner. 

Third. Not to take part in a joint international guaranty of a Chinese loan. 

On the other hand, propositions from China for a decrease of the total amount 
and for indulgence concerning the conditions of payment would be considered 
favorably. 

The following plan might perhaps be feasible: China should hand to each of the 
powers bonds representing, at par, the proportion due each interested power. 
These bonds would bear 4 per C3nt interest with one-half per cent sinking fund. 

The following revenues would be set aside for the payments on these bonds: The 
gabelle, native customs, and the increase of receipts accruing from a duty of 5 per 
cent ad valorem on imports by sea and by land, except on rice and opium. 

(This latter would continue to pay the duties of the present tariff, which amount 
to 4.97, as import dues, plus 80 taels a picul; in all about 19 per cent.) 

These revenues would be paid to a mixed commission, the organization of which 
should be approved by the powers. It would, however, not have any right to inter- 
fere directly in the administration nor in the imposition and perception of customs 
duties. 

The payments to the commission should take place at frequent intervals. [The 
proposition of a monthly payment made by the Chinese plenipotentiaries seems to 
correspond to this idea. J 

The commission would have charge of the distribution. 

Right for each power to dispose of its bonds as it sees fit, and to guarantee them. 

To give to China the necessary time to settle its affairs the issue of bonds could 
be extended. [It could commence by issuing 300,000,000; the balance as soon as 
the interest on its present debts commence to decrease, perhaps after five years.] 

N. B.— The words in brackets are Sir Ernest Satow's amplification of his 
instructions. 



Mr. Rockhill to Mr. Hay. 

No. 90.] Commissioner of the United States to China, 

Peking, China,, May 20, 1901. 
Sir : I have the honor to inclose herewith for your information copy 
of telegraphic correspondence had with the Yangtze Viceroys on the 
subject of suggested reforms and commercial privileges. 



I am, etc., 



W. W. Rockhill. 



[Inclosure.— Telegram.] 
No. 90.] Hankow, May 11, 1901. 

Rockhill, Peking: 

Viceroy requests you suggest policy; also send list of. reforms and commercial 
privileges that powers would accept. 

Wilcox. 



[Inclosure 2.— Telegram.] 

Peking, China, May 16, 1901. ' 
American Consul, Hankow: 

Replying to viceroy's telegram, tell him United States strongly urges, as among 
the most important measures for trade, abolition of likin on imports and exports, 



REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 171 

including transit pass duty: right of foreigners to reside and do business through- 
out the Empire; revision of inland navigation rules; creation of a mining bureau 
and good regulations: strict adherence to principle of equal opportunities to people 
of every nationality. I advise strongly that Peking be put on footing of treaty- 
port and that measures be agreed to for improving river approaches to Shanghai, 
Tientsin, and Niuchwang. 

Rockhill. 

Note.— A similar telegram was sent to Consul Martin at Nanking May 17, 1901. 



Mr. Rockhill to Mr. Hay. 

No. 92.] Commissioner of the United States to China, 

Peking, May 22, 1901. 

Sir: The diplomatic corps held a meeting to-day to consider the note 
of the Chinese plenipotentiaries indicating how they proposed paying 
450,000,000 taels, if this amount were asked as indemnity by the powers. 
Copy of this note was sent you in my dispatch No. 86 of May 16. 

Sir Ernest Satow had but a few days before informed me privately 
that his Government advocated the reduction of the total amount of 
the indemnity to 400,000,000 taels. This I duly telegraphed you on 
the 20th instant. Much to my astonishment, but as I learned later, 
as a result of a further concession made at the last moment by the 
British Government to Germany, which it was apparently feared might 
join Russia and France in insisting on a guaranteed loan, he informed 
the diplomatic body to-day that his Government was in favor of a 
method which, while effecting a reduction of the amount to be asked 
of China, would not change appreciably the figure already mentioned — 
that is to say, 450,000,000 taels. He therefore proposed that after July 
1 of this year the powers should not demand of China any further pay- 
ments on account of the military occupation. This, it is estimated, 
would be a saving to China of not less than 1,500,000 pounds a month. 

The Austrian, German, and Russian ministers were opposed to this 
proposition, the German minister expressing himself most strongly on 
the subject, saying that his instructions directed him to insist on the 
integral payment of every cent spent, or to be spent, by his Govern- 
ment on the expedition to north China. I fancy, however, his Gov- 
ernment has before this practically accepted the British proposal. 

The Russian minister, while not so emphatic, declined to commit 
himself to accepting the date of July 1, though he is personally in 
favor of it. 

The British proposals (see my No. 89) were then read and there 
ensued a general exchange of views, when I took occasion to say that 
while reserving for future presentation to the diplomatic corps the 
proposal of my Government concerning the amount of the indemnity, 
which had not yet been accepted or rejected by the representatives of 
the powers, I felt at liberty to say that the United States would be 
pleased to see whatever indemnity might be asked of China paid by 
the issuance of bonds by the Chinese Government without international 
guaranty. If this were agreed to, we would be willing to take them at 
par and at 3 per cent interest. 

The German minister then remarked that in view of my statement 
that I would again bring up the suggestion of the American Govern- 
ment to scale down the indemnities, he would ask his colleagues to 
finally vote on the subject. He said he was not aware that any of the 
powers saw any reason for limiting the figure of their demands on China 



172 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 

to £40,000,000, as we had suggested, especially in view of the note of 
the Chinese saying they could pay 450,000,000 taels, and of the note 
of Viceroy Chang Chih-tung offering to pay 400,000,000 in ten years. I 
replied we were, on the contrary, more convinced than ever that the 
figure we had indicated was the highest China could pay without get- 
ting into serious financial difficulties ; that the report of the committee 
on the payment of indemnities was full of proofs of this; that the 
Chinese plenipotentiaries, while saying that China could pay this 
amount if called on, insisted on the fact that it would create grave 
financial disturbance in the country. As to the proposition of Chang 
Chih-tung (copy of which I sent you in my No. 82), it was not to be 
seriously considered, as it was practically based on doubling the cus- 
toms dues and the likin, two measures we all refused to entertain, 
especially the second. I then said that if a vote was adverse to the 
original American proposition, I would then ask the diplomatic corps 
to vote on whether they agreed to make any reduction. 

Mr. von Mumm then submitted to the diplomatic corps the follow- 
ing question, which it was understood was intended to cover the whole 
of the American proposition : 

"Do the powers agree to ask of China as indemnity the expenses 
actually incurred by the Governments and the losses of societies and 
individuals, reserving for future determination the question of the 
advisability of limiting the figure of the indemnity to be asked of 
China to the 1st of July — that is to say, to the sum of 450,000,000 
taels? " 

All of the ministers voted affirmatively, the Russian minister stat- 
ing, however, that he simply voted with the majority, though his Gov- 
ernment was equally willing to accept the American principle of scaling 
down the demands or to ask the payment of all expenses incurred. I 
did not vote. 

Continuing the discussion of the British proposition, the suggestion 
therein contained, that the indemnity should be paid in bonds, was 
next taken up. 

The Russian minister objected to this method, saying that bonds 
were only a promise to pay and left the future too unsettled. For this 
reason his Government proposed a guaranteed loan. He also advo- 
cated the raising of the tariff on foreign imports into China to 10 per 
cent, because we require, to insure the payments that have to be made 
on account of the indemnities, the very best guaranties, and that in 
view of our ignorance concerning native revenues, he thought that 
we should confine ourselves to those collected by a foreign adminis- 
tered service. 

The British memorandum proposed, as one of the sources of reve- 
nue for the payment of the interest on the debt, the increase of the 
tariff on foreign imports to a 5 per cent ad valorem effective. 

All the ministers agreed to this with the exception of myself. I 
said the United States Government would not agree to any increase 
of the present tariff without compensating commercial advantages; 
that, the concessions which we could make China on the tariff consti- 
tuted the most powerful leverage we had on the country for settling a 
number of questions, and we could not relinquish this valuable right 
except with full assurances that these commercial grievances would 
be promptly righted. I trust my action will meet with your approval. 
I think that I may thus be able to secure the cooperation of my col- 
leagues in insisting with the Chinese Government on the immediate 
undertaking of the conservancy work on the Shanghai River; also 



REPORT OF C< 



R TO CHINA. 



173 



those needed on the Tientsi 
Besides these I think we may s 
on the footing of a treaty por 1 
at all events insist upon pend 



Before the 



adjou 



tiaries, asking them to indica 
a sum of 450,000,000 taels, was 
lation of said note. 

Further discussion on the s 
reserved until to-morrow. 
I am, etc., 



ad possibly at Niuchwang. 
aid in having Peking placed 
e the compensations I shall 
-tractions. 

to the Chinese plenipoten- 
proposed paying interest on 
a. I inclose herewith trans- 

e British memorandum was 

W. W. ROCKHILL. 



[Inch 
M. cle Cologan to 



on.] 

en ipotentiaries. 



Peking, May 23, 1901. 
he honor to acknowledge to your 
which you were pleased to send 
concerning the indemnities. In 
cy have just replied we informed 
incurred and of the losses sus- 
4o0,000,000 taels, calculated to the 



No. 92.] 

Your Highness, Your Excell 
highness and your excellency recei 
me in reply to my communication 
the letter to which your highness am 
you that the approximate figure o 
tained by the powers amounted to 
1st of July of the current year. 

In reply to this communication your highness and your excellency have informed 
me that the Chinese Government proposed to pay off this sum to the powers by 
monthly payments of 1,250,000 taels during thirty years. 

The representatives of the powers have not failed to transmit this proposition to 
their Governments. But they must call the attention of your highness and your 
excellency to the fact that the total of the payments proposed by the Chinese Gov- 
ernment only represents the capital of the sum mentioned, without the question 
of interest having been taken account of. 

I consequently beg your highness and your excellency to be so kind as to inform 
us as soon as possible of the intention of the Chinese Government in this respect, 

B. J. de Cologan. 



No. 26. 



Sir 



Mr. Hay to Mr. Eockhill. 

Department of State, 
Washington, July 18, 190.1. 
I have to acknowledge the receipt of your dispatch No. 92, of 



May 22 last, reporting the proceedings of the meeting of the diplo- 
matic corps held that day to consider the note of the Chinese pleni- 
potentiaries indicating how China proposes to pay the estimated 
indemnity of 450,000,000 taels. 

Your position on the question of customs duties, likin, and commer- 
cial privileges, as stated in the dispatch, is entirely in the line of the 
instructions telegraphed to you last spring, and is cordially approved 
by the Department. 

I am, sir, etc., John Hay. 



Mr. Rockhill to Mr. Hay. 

No. 93.] Commissioner of the United States to China, 

Peking, China, May 28, 1901. 
Sir: The diplomatic corps continued to-day the discussion of the 
British proposals for the payment of the indemnity by China. 



174 REPORT OF COMMI{° TONER TO CHINA. 

The first question taken up v is that of the mode of payment — 
whether a guaranteed loan should be asked for or whether China 
should issue bonds. 

The French minister said that the only instructions he had on the 
subject were those given some time ago to his predecessor, Mr. Pichon. 
France preferred the system of a guaranteed loan, as being the 
simplest and most natural methool, and the one which best equalized 
the conditions in which the loan would have to be made. Though he 
had no recent instructions, he thought that France would regulate 
her conduct on considerations of general interest and of the particu- 
lar interest of China, whose restoration we were seeking, and with- 
out which the necessary means for discharging her newly incurred 
indebtedness could not be secured. 

The Japanese minister said his Government preferred an interna- 
tional guaranty, if all the other poVers agreed to this plan. 

The German minister pronounced himself in favor of the issuance 
of bonds, but stated (I presume at his personal opinion) that he saw 
no objection to some of the powers guaranteeing between themselves 
the bonds issued to them by China. 

The Austrian, Belgian, and Dutch ministers were without instruc- 
tions. 

The Italian minister said that his Government had no preference 
for one over the other mode. 

I repeated what I had said the day before as to the preference of 
the United States for bonds, without an international guarantee and 
our willingness to take them at par and bearing 3 per cent interest. 

I am inclined to think, in view of the decided preference expressed 
to-day for the issuance of bonds by China for the payment of her 
debt, together with the statement of the French minister and the fact 
that the Russian minister did not further urge the views of his Gov- 
ernment, that the British proposals will be very shortly agreed to by 
all the representatives. 

The question of the sinking fund was then taken up by the minis- 
ters, and after some desultory discussion it was decided to request the 
Committee on the payment of the indemnities to have drawn up a 
number of plans of amortization, it being the understanding of the 
foreign representatives that the Chinese preferred to extinguish the 
debt within the shortest period possible, say thirty years. 

The question of the interest on the bonds was also discussed, Great 
Britain proposing 5 per cent and the United States 3 per cent. 

The Japanese minister remarked that he thought, if the debt were 
paid oif in bonds, that some provision should be made for the coun- 
tries which can not raise loans at a very low rate of interest; Japan, 
for example, had to pay 5 per cent. He suggested as a possible solu- 
tion, in case a low rate was finally agreed upon, that an additional 
amount of bonds over and above that which represented the amount 
of the indemnity due be issued to the countries thus situated, so as 
to cover the difference between the amount of interest they would 
have to pay for a loan and the rate of interest insured by the bonds. 

This plan does not seem to me to be practicable and would work a 
great hardship on China. * * * 

I am, etc., W. W. Rockhill. 



REPORT OF COH TO CHINA. 175 

Mr. Roc Hay. 

No. 94.] Commissioner c ed States to China, 

ng, China, May 25, 1901. 

Sir: * * * My cablegra the 22d informed you of the 

sudden change in the Britis it's proposals, and that the 

representatives of the powe tically agreed to demand of 

China the full amount of the 3urred by their Governments, 

subject to their being final presentation to China at the 

end of the month of June. rords, the sum of 450,000,000 

taels is approximately the r the demand they will make on 

China. 

In my dispatch No. 92, o ,ant, I explained this last phase 

of the negotiations and ga^ . ttion of Great Britain's repeated 

changes in her proposal? id that the British proposal to 

reduce the amount of tl / to £50,000,000, which I tele- 

graphed you on April 26, abmitted formally by Sir Ernest 

Satow to the conference. 

The position of Germ? lestion of the indemnity has, as I 

have advised you repeate^ 3st uncompromising. The urgent 

necessity for Great Britain to maiucain her entente with Germany in 
China is, of course, responsible for the numerous concessions she has 
recently made to German insistence on being paid the last cent of her 
expenses. The most remarkable of these concessions is found, how- 
ever, in the British Government's willingness to have the tariff on 
imports raised to an effective 5 per cent ad valorem, without compen- 
sating commercial advantages. * * * 

It is true that the proposal of the United States to scale down the 
indemnity has not been met with the approval of a single one of the 
powers, but our insistence in the cause of moderation has unquestion- 
ably been instrumental in forcing them to limit their demands. Had 
it not been for our endeavors, China would, without a doubt, have 
been obliged to consent to infinitely harder terms than those which will 
be probably submitted. The American policy of moderation has had 
other distinctly beneficial results. * * * 

The President's policy of moderation brought about a revision of the 
lists of proscription, and has thus saved niany persons, now known to 
be innocent, whose names had been placed thereon in the heat of the 
moment. 

In numerous other ways have the United States been able to exer- 
cise a moderating influence in the councils of the powers, while still 
maintaining the concert which, clumsy as it undoubtedly is, is still, 
so long as it exists, a tolerable guarantee of the maintenance of Chi- 
nese integrity and of equal trade privileges for all the world. I firmlj 7 
believe that we shall be still further able to vindicate in other ways 
the wise policy of the President during the remainder of the negotia- 
tions, and by it greatly benefit American interests in China. 
I am, etc., 

W. W. ROCKHILL. 



176 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 

Mr. RockhiU to Mr. Hay. 

No. 95.] i Peking, China, May 25, 1901. 

Sir: The diplomatic corps held a meeting to-day for the discussion 
of pending questions. 

A note was prepared to the Chinese plenipotentiaries concerning 
the limits of the diplomatic quarte 'in this city. This note practically 
settles the whole question. I will' send you copy of all correspondence 
bearing on this point of the negotiations as soon as I can get them 
together. 

By referring to the British proposals concerning the payment of 
the indemnities (see my dispatch No. 89), you will find it there sug- 
gested that the payments on account of the indemnities should be made 
by the Chinese Government to a mixed commission, which would dis- 
tribute them among the powers in proportion to their claims. To-day 
the committee on the payment of indemnities, to further expedite 
the discussion of this subject, made the following report to the 
conference. I quote it in full: 

The committee on the payment of indemnities is of opinion that the com- 
mittee of encashment (committee des recettes) proposed by the British Govern- 
ment should be composed of the heads of the foreign banks at Shanghai designated 
by the interested Governments to receive in common the sums of money which 
they shall have collected from China. The said committee of encashment should 
confine its operations to cover in the total amount of the sums due, dividing it 
among the powers proportionately to the amounts due each one of them. 

This subject can, of course, only be settled when the mode of pay- 
ment of the indemnities has been finally decided upon. 

The German minister then stated that his Government, desirous of 
bringing about as promptly as might be a settlement of the question 
of indemnity, had accepted the proposition of the British Govern- 
ment to limit the amount of the indemnity to be asked of China to 
the approximate sum of 450,000,000 taels, calculated to the 1st of 
July of this year, with interest of 4 per cent, reserving for future 
determination the question of the amortization. His Government 
was ready to ask at once of the Chinese Government a guaranty for 
the payment of this sum and for the interest specified. 

The Italian minister also informed the conference that his Govern- 
ment accepted the British proposal to limit the demand to the 1st of 
July, and to accept the approximate figure of 450,000,000 taels. 

None of the other ministers had received instructions from their 
Governments, but it is highly probable that at the next meeting most 
of them will be able to announce their formal adherence to the British 
proposal. 

I have informally informed several of my colleagues that I would 
ask you whether you would accept the British proposal, but I have 
not held out any hope of your doing so. I have, on the contrary, said 
that it only remained for me now to ask that the whole subject of the 
indemnity be transferred to the Arbitral Court of the Hague. This 
has given my colleagues a good deal of uneasiness, and they greatly 
fear the delay which such a motion on the part of our Government 
might occasion, though they all feel convinced that a reference of the 
question as you suggest would not be agreed to by any of their Gov- 
ernments. As I am convinced of the truth of this also, I shall not 
formally make the suggestion unless directed to do so by you. 

The above subjects having been temporarily disposed of, the ques- 



KEPORT OF COMMISSION EE TO CHINA. 177 

tion of replying to the last letter of the Chinese plenipotentiaries 
concerning the suspension of examinations for a period of five years 
was taken up. 

The Chinese have already agreed to the suspension of examinations 
in all cities and towns where foreigners were massacred or cruelly 
treated, with the exception of Peking and Tai-yuan Fu, the capital of 
Shansi. They contend, and with some degree of reason, that it is not 
fair to close the provincial and metropolitan examinations — the latter 
of which must be held in Peking, and once in every three years only — 
to people who have never been hostile to foreigners, and who belong 
to towns where no massacres or riots occurred. 

The Russian, French, and Japanese ministers are in favor of a com- 
promise. The whole question of Chinese examinations is, however, 
so badly understood by a number of the foreign ministers that they 
hesitate very much to come to any decision on the subject. The dis- 
cussion to-day did not result in any progress being made toward a 
final understanding. * * * 

I have the honor, etc., W. W. Rockhill. 



Mr. RochhiU to Mr. Hay. 

No. 96.] Commissioner of the United States to China, 

Peking, China, May 27, 1901. 

Sir: I have the honor to inclose herewith, for your information, 
translation of an Imperial Edict directing the Chinese plenipotentiaries 
to bring to a prompt close the peace negotiations, so that the Emperor 
may return to his capital. 

The general belief among foreigners in Peking is that the Court will 
not start on its return to Peking until the entire withdrawal of the 
expeditionary forces from Peking and the neighborhood, and until 
such time as the only foreign forces here are the legation guards. I 
heard from various sources, however, that some preparations have 
been made along the roads which will be followed by the imperial 
party, and also. in the Forbidden city, for the Emperor's return. 
I have the honor, etc., 

W. W. Rockhill. 



No. 96.] Imperial Edict. 

[Inclosure.— Translated from the Peking Gazette of May 25.] 

On the 1st day of the fourth moon (May 18) the Grand Council, at an audience, 
received the following Edict: 

The governor of Shun-t'ien (Peking) has twice petitioned us on behalf of the gen- 
try and people, begging us to return (to the capital), and now again the members 
of the censorate unite in a joint memorial (to the same effect). All of this is evi- 
dence of the sincere affection and longing (of our subjects). 

Formerly we respectfully begged the Empress Dowager to halt at Chang- an 
(Si-ngan), and, gazing from this great distance upon the ancestral shrines and 
altars of the tutelary dieties. we have been constantly filled with sorrow, and could 
not but most earnestly desire to return, and thus satisfy the wishes of the minis- 
ters and people of the whole Empire. 

Let Prince Ching and Li Hung-chang bring the peace negotiations quickly to a 
close and cause the foreign troops to be withdrawn, that it may become possible 
for us to set a day for our return. 

S. Doc. 67 12 



178 EEPOET OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 

Prince Ch'ing and his associates, too, should publish this Edict for the informa- 
tion of the ministers and people. 

As to the time of Our return, it will be necessary for the Court to have every- 
thing properly prepared, and we appoint Shi Hsu to put things in order before- 
hand. 

Respect this I 



Mr. Rockhill to Mr. Ray. 

No. 98.] Commissioner of the United States to China, 

Peking, China, May 28, 1901. 

Sir: The diplomatic corps in its meeting of to-day read a letter from 
Field Marshal Count von Waldersee in reply to one sent him by that 
body on the 24th of last month, in which it had expressed its opinion 
that the Provisional Government at Tientsin should hand over its pow- 
ers at the earliest date possible to the regular local Chinese authori- 
ties. The marshal reasserts his opinion that this Provisional Govern- 
ment should be maintained as long as there is any considerable for- 
eign military force in Peking. I inclose copy of the marshal's letter; 
also one of the reply agreed upon to be made. 

The opinion of the diplomatic corps on this point was submitted to 
and received the approval of the various Governments, and the field 
marshal was so informed. Since then nothing has occurred to alter 
the belief that the evacuation of the native city of Tientsin and the 
transfer by the Provisional Government to the Chinese authorities of 
the authority with which it was intrusted by the commanders of the 
troops in north China during that period of disorganization resulting 
from the occupation of Tientsin should be brought to a close as soon 
as possible, just as is being done now in other parts of this province 
held by foreign troops. 

The marshal's letter has been referred by the various ministers to 
their Governments for final instructions on the matter. I beg you will 
give the subject your early attention. 

I informed you in my dispatch No* 85, of the 13th instant, that the 
diplomatic corps was endeavoring to reach a conclusion on the sub- 
ject of the suspension of the metropolitan examinations, which the 
Chinese plenipotentiaries think should be excepted from the operation 
of paragraph B, article II, of the Joint Note. This subject was taken 
up again to-day and two proposals made. The first stated that while 
the powers could hold out no hope of an amelioration of the terms of 
the demands for the suspension of examinations in all the towns and 
cities where foreigners had been massacred or had been subjected to 
cruel treatment, the conditions in which the metropolitan examina- 
tions take place (these examinations can only be held in the capital of 
the Empire and under the nominal direction of the Emperor, who con- 
fers in person some of the degrees then competed for) not existing, 
the powers reserved to examine later on the question of these exami- 
nations. 

I voted against this proposal, which, in my opinion, would leave the 
whole question unsettled. 

The Russian minister then proposed that the metropolitan exami- 
nations at Peking should be allowed only for graduates of provinces 
in which foreigners had not been massacred or been subjected to 
cruel treatment. 

I voted for this proposal, as I did not think it was the intention, of 
the United States at least, to punish people from those provinces of 



REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 179 

China which had taken absolutely no part in the antiforeign move- 
ment of last year. Neither of these two proposals, however, securing 
a majority of votes, the question is again deferred for future con- 
sideration. 

The Russian minister informed the conference that he had received 
from his Government instructions to accept the proposal in the British 
memorandum relating to the payment of the indemnities, and which 
provides for a committee of encashment, to receive from China the 
various payments which it will have to make on account of the 
indemnity, and to distribute them among the interested powers in pro- 
portion to their various claims. 

I understand by this that the Russian Government abandons its 
proposal to secure any loan with an international guarantee for the 
payment of the debt. 

This afternoon the private secretary of Li Hung-chang informed 
me that the Emperor had accepted the demand of the powers for 
450,000,000 taels as indemnity, and had agreed to the payment of 
interest thereon at 4 per cent, though His Majesty's Government 
hope that it will be found possible to slightly reduce this amount. 

In this connection I transmit herewith for your information copy of 
a telegram which I received on the 26th instant from the Viceroy 
Chang Chih-tung. While this telegram is in reply to one I sent him 
on the 17th instant, copy of which was inclosed in my dispatch to 
you, No. 90, of the 20th instant, the latter part of it relates to the ques- 
tion of the payment of indemnity. 

The diplomatic corps not having yet considered formally the ques- 
tion of the interest to be demanded of China, I have not yet replied 
to the Viceroy's telegram. 

I have the honor, etc., 

W. W. ROCKHILL. 



[Inclosure 1.— Translation.] 

Count von Waldersee to 31. de Cologan. 

No. 98.] Headquarters Winter Palace, 

Peking, May 25, 1901. 

Mr. Minister: Referring to my letter of the 29th of April, I have the honor to 
again submit to your excellency, as dean of the diplomatic corps, the following 
considerations concerning the council of Tientsin: 

The council of the provisional government of the district of Tientsin was created 
several days after the capture of "that city, the transfer of the whole administration 
to the hands of the military authorities appearing an inevitable necessity. 

To rentier possible the accomplishment of the duties which devolved upon it, it 
became necessary to extend little by little the area of its administration, so that 
this includes to-day not only the city of Tientsin itself, but also the neighboring 
territory along two banks of the Peiho as far as Taku, inclusively. 

All the allied powers, with the exception of Austria-Hungary, are represented 
in the council, the o. ionization of which, generally speaking, is the following: 

First. General secretary; bureau of the council. 

Second. Police, with a personnel partly military, partly native. 

Third. Treasurer, to settle ail financial business. 

Fourth. Justice, to decide all judicial differences, and to judge all penal cases 
which can not be concluded directly by the chiefs of the police or the chiefs of 
districts. 

Fifth. Public works, to finish works already commenced: to take up again and 
execute such works as are deemed desirable for the military interests or general 
interests. 

Sixth. Salubrity, to prevent epidemics and to establish better conditions less 
dangerous for the public health than those existing at the present day. 



180 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 

Seventh. Chinese secretary, to make all necessary translations, to decide all 
demands, complaints, and requests made orally, to draw up proclamations, etc. 

Furthermore, the four districts of the suburbs of which are under the orders of 
a chief of district, to whom is confidedthe maintenance of peace, and who is com- 
petent to decide directly disputes and questions of minor importance. 

These chiefs have in the two largest districts as assistants two and three officers, 
respectively, and they have the services of noncommissioned officers and soldiers 
of the allied forces for the duty of police inspectors and police soldiers, so as to 
superintend, with their assistance, the police service, which is, as a general thing, 
performed by the native police. 

The staff directing the above-mentioned divisions (with the exception of the 
Chinese secretary) is naturally composed at the present time exclusively of per- 
sons of the nationalities of the allied powers. Their number, however, is confined 
to the strictest limits. The subordinates, however, are already at the present time 
recruited as much as possible among the natives. 

The above-mentioned organization, whose principal duty is to facilitate as much 
as possible by the measures which it adopts the accomplishment of the object 
which the allied forces can have in view, has, as a general thing, filled perfectly 
all requirements, and has been able to gain the confidence of the Chinese popula- 
tion. In my opinion, it would be impossible to replace it advantageously at the 
present time by a new organization. 

Nevertheless, referring to my letter of the 29th of April to your excellency, I 
find myself obliged to point out again that, as my personal opinion and as that of 
the commanders of the contingents, it is absolutely necessary that the administra- 
tion of the district of Tientsin should remain under military authority as long as 
international troops in any considerable number are stationed there. The effective 
force amounts at first to at least 7,000 men, since it is necessary to add to the 6,000 
men constituting the contingent of occupation 600 men of French troops, destined 
to protect the railroad, several Russian military posts at Tientsin, Tongku, and 
Taku, as well as station guards (etapes) at the two last-mentioned places. 

But if, as I have had the honor to state in my above-mentioned letter, submitting 
the administration of the occupied territory to military authority is in perfect 
accordance with the stipulations of the conference of The Hague of 1899, which 
were approved and adopted by the powers, on the other hand no doubt can be 
entertained that the transmission of the administration of the district in question to 
the Chinese Government would inevitably lead in a short space of time to most 
embarrassing complications, the consequences of which can not be foreseen between 
that Government and the military authorities, as these latter must depend for the 
satisfaction of a number of their wants on the measures adopted by the adminis- 
tration, being only able to count on its assistance for securing them. 

In this connection I take the liberty of again noting that the settlement of these 
difficulties would cause the diplomatic corps much useless and protracted preoc- 
cupation. But, putting aside even the question of the feasibility of making the 
allied contingent dependent on the orders of Chinese officials, the multiplicity of 
allied contingents represented in the army of occupation would increase this 
indefinitely. 

I see, furthermore, in the preservation of the administration under military 
authority a most efficacious means of obliging the Chinese Government to keep 
those promises to which it has already subscribed. 

If, as I do not think possible, a common commander in chief for the international 
troops should be created, he would have the position of a military governor, to 
whom it would be then necessary without further consideration to submit a civil 
administration; but even he could not do better than to use the provisional council 
which already exists and is discharging well its duties while gradually increasing 
the Chinese functionaries in it. 

In the probable case of such a commander in chief not being appointed, I believe, 
as formerly and without any reservation, that nothing better could be done than 
to allow the provisional council to subsist, while. pledging it to add Chinese func- 
tionaries gradually and always in increasing numbers in its administration. 

The fact that the work of the council extends exclusively to the Chinese city of 
Tientsin and other Chinese territory, while that of the consular body is essentially 
limited to the conces-ions, seems to make it quite possible that the two corpora- 
tions should exercise their duties without at all clashing, and it will be simply a 
question of tact on the part of the one and the other to escape all misunderstanding. 

I take the liberty of again submitting to the consideration of the diplomatic 
corps the question of eventually deciding whether it would not be desirable in the 
future that the council should count among its numbers a representative of 
America, which power is not leaving any occupation forces at Tientsin. 

Count von Waldersee, 

General Field Marshal, 



REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 181 

[Inelosure 2.— Translation.] 
Dean of the Diplomatic Body to Count von Waldersee. 

Peking, May 28, 1901. 

Monrteur le Marechal: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of the 
letters which your excellency has been pleased, to send to me under dates 29th of 
Ar-ril and '25th of May. concerning the provisional government of Tientsin. 

The foreign representatives, to whom I have submitted these communications, 
think that they can not express their opinion before having received instruction 
from their Governments. 

1 will hasten to forward a reply to your excellency as soon as my colleagues have 
been able to agree upon one. 

Please accept, etc., B. J. de Cologan. 



[Inelosure 3.— Translation.] 
Viceroy Chang Chih-tung to Mr. Roclch ill. 

Wuchang, China, May 26, 1901. 
His Excellency W. W. Rockhill, 

Special Plenipotentiary, Peking: 
I have duly received your excellency's telegram and have perused the various 
points which you consider suitable and advantageous to trade. Trade is the basis 
of a country's prosperity. I perceive that all of the points presented in vour 
excellency's telegram have for their object the question of the expansion of trade. 
If regulations can be fixed that will prevent abuses, prove a benefit to China, 
advantageous to the trading classes and ordinary people, I shall be very pleased to 
consider them. As to the point referring to the working of mines and proper regu- 
lations, thus opening China's sources of wealth, if uniform system can be devised 
and action taken in accordance therewith, this would be a business at present of 
exceeding importance. I shall be glad to consider the matter, and. after a decision 
has been arrived at, to memoralize the throne, asking permission to undertake the 
work. In your excellency's telegram you state that the United States desire is to 
obtain commercial privileges. At the present time the amount (of indemnity) is 
very large, the foreign powers demanding 4o0, 000,000 (taels) at 4 per cent interest, 
covering a period of thirty years. A payment of 26,000,000 annually LMo be made. 
The Chinese people are poor, and to demand further payments from them to meet 
this enormous indemnity would still reduce the traders and people to an impover- 
ished state. The demand for foreign goods, in consequence, wou'd be reduced, 
and this would be at variance with the idea of the United States to have commerce 
and trade developed. I earnestly beg - that your excellency will discuss the ques- 
tion with the foreign representatives of reducing the indemnity: also the rate of 
interest at least 1 or half of 1 per cent. The former American (British?) minister 
Sa (Ma? McDonald) named the rate of interest at 3.7 per cent. If the rate can be 
reduced it would make it much easier for the people to bear, and trade would grad- 
ually develop. This would prove equally advantageous to both foreigners and 
Chinese. If this can be done I will be ever, ever so grateful. Please favor me 
with a reply by wire at your early convenience. 



Mr. RGclchill to Mr. Hay. 

No. 99.] Commissioner of the United States to China, 

Peking, China, May 29, 1901. 

Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of your telegram of 
the 28th instant. * * * 

To-day I was informed by the private secretary of Li Hung-chang, 
and the news was confirmed later in the day by several other Chinese 
officials attached to the staff of the Chinese plenipotentiaries, that an 
Imperial edict was received yesterday by Prince Ching and Li agree- 
ing to pay an indemnity of 450,000,000 of taels and 4 per cent interest. 

The other foreign representatives have also been advised by he 



182 EEPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 

Chinese of the willingness of their Government to pay the above-men- 
tioned sum. There is, therefore, no possibility of our suggestions to 
either reduce the amount of the indemnity or transfer the whole ques- 
tion to The Hague tribunal being considered, and I shall agree to the 
sum of 450,000,000 as soon as I learn that it is accepted by all of my 
colleagues. 

The sum of 450,000,000 of Haikuan taels (United States gold, $333- 
900,000) will of course be subject to some change by the adjustment 
of the private claims. It represents the maximum of the sum which 
China acknowledges she owes the powers. All the powers, excepting 
the United States, have intrusted, I believe, the adjustment and deter- 
mination of the amounts allowable on the claims of their nationals to 
their diplomatic representatives here, who will be guided by the rules 
adopted by the conference (the United States always excepted), a copy 
of which rules I transmitted to you in my dispatch No. 42. 

As to our claims, I have given the figure as United States gold 
$25,000,000, and have stated that it covered all claims of every descrip- 
tion. * * * 

I am, etc., W. W. Rockhill. 



Mr. Rockhill to Mr. Hay. 

No. 100.] Commissioner of the United States to China, 

Peking, China, May 30, 1901. 

SIR: I have the honor to inclose herewith for your information copy 
of a letter addressed to me by Li Hung-chang under date of May 17. 
urging that he may be permitted by the commander of the interna- 
tional forces to use the regular Chinese forces at his command to 
restore order in the province. A similar letter was addressed to the 
other representatives and to Field Marshal Count von Waldersee. 

I also inclose translation of the letter the field marshal has addressed 
to the military commanders here, detailing the steps he has taken to 
comply with Viceroy Li's request. 

I am informed that there are now about 13,000 Chinese regulars in 
the province, and that several thousands more of Yuan Shih-kai's 
foreign-drilled troops are shortly expected to arrive from Shan-tung. 
These latter, Viceroy Li has told me, will be employed as a police 
force in Peking as soon as the foreign troops are withdrawn. They are 
the best disciplined troops in China, and I think will discharge their 
delicate duty in Peking well. 

It is hoped that a date for the evacuation of Peking may be agreed 
upon at a very early date. 

I am, etc., W. W. Rockhill. 



[Inclosure 1.— Translation.] 

Li Hung-chang to Mr. Rockhill. 

Peking. May 17, 1900. 
Your Excellency: I have the honor to inform you that I have received a com- 
munication from Major-General "Kai-lu" (i. e., Von Gayl) saying that he had 
received a dispatch from Count von Waldersee stating that in the region south and 
southwest of Cheng-ting Boxers were daily increasing in number and that if China 
were unable to quickly exterminate them he proposed to send a large force and 



KEPOKT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 183 

pursue them straight into the borders of Shansi and clear them out. On this 
account General "Kai-lu" had written me the above letter, which was submitted 
for my examination, etc. 

As to this matter I have to say that the Boxers were originally idle vagabonds 
who at first did no more than' pretend to be expert jugglers, hoping thereby to 
assemble a crowd of followers and fool them out of their money. Later they pre- 
sumed on the name of enemies to the church to stir up ill feeling and cause the 
ignorant populace to join them, and lest the local officials should seize them they 
again changed their tactics and adopted the motto, " Protect the Ching and destroy 
the foreigners," to manifest their loyalty and to cover up all traces of rebellious 
designs. It never occurred to me that the principal local officials and high minis- 
ters of state would neglect to search out their treasonable conspiracies, but instead 
become their leaders, even to the extent of deceiving those who were in the palace 
into listening to their angry and lawless words till the fire had spread abroad and 
could not be extinguished; and after the allied armies of all countries had come to 
the capital these Boxers fought again and again before they learned that they could 
not overcome. Then they changed their clothes, became farmers, or fled to their 
holes, or went into hiding. 

On receiving the Imperial commands transferring me to the capital I sent orders 
to all the civil and military officials under my authority, commanding them in a 
large proclamation to use their energies and seize (these offenders). Although in 
every chou aud hsien men were being continually seized and executed by the 
military authorities, these altogether did not amount to more than one or two in a 
hundred, and the greater part had the good fortune to escape. According to the 
usual procedure, strict orders ought to be given to search out and arrest them, 
that the evil may be rooted out. But there is no help, for wherever the allies go 
if they see our soldiers their suspicions are aroused at once and they either prevent 
our soldiers moving forward or search and seize their rifles and cannon, with the 
result that our troops, even in their distant camps outside the "red line," are 
unable to carry on any operations. Should they have occasion to attempt to seize 
robbers they are stopped by repeating rifles and quick-firing guns, so that the Boxers 
have dangerous weapons and our men almost none at all and can only sit down 
with their hands tied. All this is due not to the fact that our Government does 
not desire to seize the Boxers, nor is it that they are unwilling to quietly exter- 
minate them; still less is it that our troops are not strong enough to deal with the 
Boxers. It is simply because of the allies' interference in every place that things 
have come to this pass. 

Now that peace negotiations are in progress and the troops are soon to be with- 
drawn, the duty of dealing with local bandits is one that ought to devolve upon 
myself. Count von Waldersee speaks of quickly exterminating them. Naturally 
it is our own desire that the country should be quickly pacified. If the foreign 
powers are in earnest in their desire for international good will they should allow 
us quickly to put down the rebellion among the people, and I have to request that 
they will give orders to their various district commanders to permit me to gather 
and arrange troops and order the various camps to divide the country among 
them, assume responsibility each for its own section, and take proper weapons 
and use diligence in exterminating (these offenders). I dare guarantee that 
within one or two months all roads will be quiet and orderly and that there will 
be no more danger of Boxers. But it ought to be clearly agreed that our troops 
shall have a permit, written in all languages, and that should they meet with any 
foreign troops on the road, on inspection of this permit, they shall be allowed to 
pass. Thus mutual clashing will be avoided. In such a case the ministers of the 
various powers residing in Peking on the one hand should inform their military 
officials at all points, and on the other should give a permit in 10 odd sections (?), 
which should first be sent to me, commanding each army, on examination of the 
permit, to allow the bearers to pass, that there may be no more interference with 
their marching nor seizing of their arms. Then friendly intercourse will prevail, 
and China and the foreign powers more than ever have mutual peace. Since last 
year the armies of the various powers have in our stead dealt with the Boxers, 
but the speech of the foreign soldiers can not be understood by the people, and 
when these latter flee it is impossible to distinguish honest folk from Boxers and 
very difficult to get hold of the latter. Therefore the use of foreign soldiers in 
dealing with the Boxers is not to be compared in effectiveness with our seizing 
them ourselves. As in duty bound, I send this dispatch for your information, 
and I have to beg that your excellency will give it your favorable consideration. 
I trust you will readily respond to this request, and I shall anxiously await your 
reply. 



184 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 

[Inclosure 2.— Translation.] 

Count von Waldersee to General Voyron. 

General Headquarters, Peking, 

Winter Palace, May 19, 1901. 

So as to furnish the Chinese Government the opportunity of proving its good 
will and its ability to maintain with its own forces tranquillity and order in the 
country, I have agreed with the grand secretary, Li Hung-chang, that, begin- 
ning on the 26th of the present month, the Chinese regular troops shall have lull 
liberty of moving about in the region to the north and to the east of the line of 
Cha-tao, Huai lu, Ping-ku Hsien, San-ho Hsien, and Pan-ti Hsien (including these 
localities), and shall be charged with repressing brigandage. 

In the south also, in conformity with the wish expressed by your excellency 
that Sin-lo should be the extreme point of the occupation in the south, I have 
drawn the line of demarcation of the points occupied by the allied troops so that 
it follows now the course of the Mu-chu Ho, to the north of Ho-chien and to the 
south of Sin-lo. 

I have the honor to request your excellency, in case you agree with me, to 
inform the troops under your orders of the above facts, and to be so kind as to 
request them not to interfere with the movements of the Chinese troops, passes 
having been delivered to the Chinese generals in question within the region which 
is assigned to them, and under no circumstances to attack them. 

Furthermore, I have requested the grand secretary to inform me immediately 
of the places to which he intends bringing Chinese troops in greater numbers, so 
that in the case of an eventual evacuation by the allies of the cities of Peking and 
Paoting Fu they can undertake the rapid occupation of those points. 

A. von Waldersee, 
General Field Marshal. 

Mutatis mutandis to the commanding generals of the various foreign contin- 
gents. 



Mr. RochMl to Mr. Hay. 

No. 101.] Commissioner of the United States to China. 

Peking, China, May SO, 1901. 
Sir: I have just received a translation of a communication 
addressed by the Chinese plenipotentiaries to the dean of the diplo- 
matic corps, in reply to the note of the latter under date of the 22d 
instant (copy of which was inclosed in my No. 92 of that date) asking 
what steps the Chinese Government proposed taking to pay the inter- 
est on the indemnity. 

This note contains the terms of an Imperial edict accepting the 
indemnity of 450,000,000 taels with interest at 4 per cent. 

I reserve comments on the proposal of the plenipotentiaries con- 
tained in this communication for a later date, not wishing to delay 
sending you the paper by the mail closing in a few hours. 
I am, etc., 

W. W. Rockhill. 



[Inclosure.— Translation.] 
Chinese Plenipotentiaries to the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps. 

Peking, May 30, 1901. 

(After acknowledging the receipt of the communication of the representatives 
of the powers, the Chinese plenipotentiaries continue as follows:) 

In considering in a previous dispatch the question of indemnities we explained 
to your excellency the penury of the Chinese treasury. 



EEPOET OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 185 

In your last communication your excellency is pleased to call our attention to 
the fact that the annual payments of 15,000,000 taeis which we proposed only rep- 
resent the capital, and you now call our attention to the question of interest. 

As we on our side had already considered that besides the capital there was 
also to be taken into consideration the question of annual interest at 4 per cent, 
we had already, by telegram, submitted to the Throne propositions on this siib- 
ject, and in reply we have received an Imperial edict stating that "The figure of 
450,000,000 of indemnities to be paid the powers, with interest at 4 per cent, is 
approved." and we are commanded to take the necessary measures to carry out 
this decision: 

We have therefore only to comply with the orders of the Throne. 

Nevertheless, this obliges us to recall to your excellency that the financial 
resources of China are so restricted that nothing more can be taken from them pos- 
sibly beyond the 15,000,000 taels which we have already proposed to your excel- 
lency to devote specially to the payment of indemnities; but as this sum must not 
only supply payment of the capital but also that of the interest, we have no other 
alternative to propose than to prolong the term of payments, which we had in the 
first place fixed at thirty years, in such a way that the installments paid during 
the first period of this term thus extended shall be considered as destined to 
extinguish the capital, while those made during the second period shall be applied 
to liquidating the interest account, after which all payments would cease through 
the extinction of the debt. 

The Imperial Maritime Customs already intrusted, as we had proposed, with the 
payments of the capital, would likewise be intrusted with the payments on account 
of interest. As to the amount of the annual interest, it would be understood that 
it would decrease proportionately every year, according to the progressive reduc- 
tion of the capital. 

We have the honor to request your excellency to kindly inform us what you 
think of the plan we suggest above to pay off both capital and interest, or if in 
your opinion it would not be better to consider a portion of the 15,000,000 taels 
paid annually as an installment on the capital to be paid off, and the ba^nce as 
an installment on the interest. These details require a careful examination, and 
demand a previous and full understanding between the parties. 

China having thus shown its good will in assenting to the demands of the pow- 
ers on the question of the indemnity, and in taking all the necessary steps to 
insure an integral payment of it, we hope to have soon the satisfaction of learn- 
ing that the powers are in a position to fix an early date for the evacuation. 

We have the honor to request your excellency to kindly communicate the above 
to the representatives of the powers. 



Mr. Rockliill to Mr. Hay. 

No. 102.] Commissioner of the United States to China, 

Peking, China, June 1, 1901. 

Sir: I have the honor to inform you that the expeditionary forces 
in Chihli are being rapidly reduced, and that within the next month 
some 15,000 to 20,000 men will probably be withdrawn. The German 
minister communicated to the diplomatic corps to-day a telegram 
from the German Chancellor stating that "as none of the powers tak- 
ing part in the occupation of China has raised objections to the tele- 
graphic proposal to recall the commander-in-chief, and as the Emperor 
of China has reiterated his formal promise concerning the payment of 
an indemnity of 450,000,000 taels, with interest at 4 per cent, the recall 
of the commander-in-chief will be carried out at once. At the same 
time the German expeditionary forces will be reduced to one brigade." 
The brigade will be composed of 9 battalions of 300 men each. 

The Japanese are taking back their time-expired men, and will 
probably keep seme 3,000 to 5,000 men in Chihli. The French 
announced some weeks ago that they were going to withdraw imme- 
diately between 8,000 and 9,000 men. Though their withdrawal was 
temporarily suspended, it is probable that, now that the Germans have 



18(5 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 

begun theirs, it will be carried out. The British send a regiment off 
to Weihai Wei in a few days, and 1 hear that ten transports have 
been ordered to come to Taku to take away the other British troops. 

In my dispatch No. 100 of the 30th ultimo I informed you of the 
steps being taken to gradually hand over the policing of the province 
to the Chinese forces. I have not yet been informed of the method 
to be followed in transferring the control of this city to the Chinese 
authorities, but will advise you of it as soon as I can. 

I confirm my cablegram to you of this date. 
I am, etc., 

W. W. ROCKHILL. 



Mr. Bockhill to Mr. Hay. 

No. 104.] Commissioner of the United States to China, 

Peking, China, June 1, 1901. 

Sir: The diplomatic corps met to-day to consider the various plans 
of amortization of the Chinese indemnity. I inclose herewith copies of 
the two schemes which were considered. 1 The first, prepared by the 
agent here of the Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation, con- 
templates amortization of the entire debt of 450,000,000 taels, with 
interest at 4 per cent, in a period of fifty years. Its principal incon- 
venience is that it does not apply to the amortization all the sums 
which in the next forty years become available for that purpose by 
the gradual extinction of the other foreign Chinese debts. 

The plan of the Commission, which contemplates amortization of 
the entire indemnity in forty-five years, is based on the principle that 
all accrued balances left over from the reduction of the Chinese for- 
eign debt are applied to this purpose and no new charges made on 
China beyond the 18,000,000 taels necessary for the payment of the 
4 per cent interest. The amortization under this latter scheme, which 
was accepted in principle by the diplomatic corps, commences in 1906. 

The diplomatic corps also examined two schemes of amortization 
submitted by the Chinese plenipotentiaries. The first plan contem- 
plated repaying the capital of 450,000,000 taels in thirty years, and 
afterwards paying for twenty years the sum of 13,950,000 taels as 
interest, or 279,000,000 taels as interest. This plan, of course, takes 
no account of compound interest and does not figure out an ordinary 
interest of much over 3 per cent. The second Chinese plan contem- 
plates the amortization in forty years, and provides for the addition to 
the capital of the total of the interest and the payment in forty equal 
installments. 

The question of the currency in which the indemnities would have 
to be paid was also considered by the diplomatic corps, but no agree- 
ment reached on the subject. The discussion seems premature until 
the powers have agreed whether they will limit their demands to 
450,000,000 taels to the 1st of July. So far, the only powers which 
have formally agreed to this are Great Britain, Germany, Belgium, 
Holland, and Italy. I reserve to announce our acceptance of it until 
all the other representatives have done so. 

I have the honor, etc., W. W. Rockhill. 

1 Not printed. 



EEPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 187 

Mr. Rockhill to Mr. Hay. 

No. 105.] Commissioner of the United States to China, 

Peking, Cliina, June 3, 1901. 

Sir: With further reference to the note of the Chinese plenipoten- 
tiaries agreeing to pay an iclemnity of 450,000,000 with 4 per cent 
interest, I inclose herewith translation of the minutes of a meeting 
held yesterday between the members of the committee on the pay- 
ment of indemnities and Viceroy Li Hung-chang. 

The remarks of the Viceroy are sufficient explanation of the pro- 
posals contained in the Chinese note, copy of which I inclosed you in 
my dispatch No. 101, of the 30th ultimo. 

I have the honor, etc., W. W. Rockhill. 



[Inclosure.— Translation.] 
Committee on the payment of indemnities. 

His Excellency Li Hung-chang, assisted by Messrs. Hsu Shou-peng and Na 
Tung, are present at the meeting. 

Mr. von Mumm explained to His Excellency Li Hung-chang that the com- 
mittee has consented with pleasure to his desire to give it explanation on the 
letter by which the Chinese plenipotentiaries have declared that the Chinese Gov- 
ernment accepted to pay interest at 4 per cent on the capital of the indemnity. 
The committee is not acting at the present moment in virtue of any instructions 
from the diplomatic corps, but in its personal capacity. It has as its only object 
to secure information on certain passages in the letter referred to, and which 
seemed to it obscure. It would particulary like to know how the Chinese pleni- 
potentiaries understand the system of amortization which they proposed. 

His Excellency Li Hung-chang: We propose to pay in the first place the capital 
in twenty years, then the interest in twenty years. 

Mr. von Mumm: This system would cause a loss to the powers, since it does not 
take into account compound interest; that is to say, interest on the interests, the 
payment of which is deferred. For if we accept provisionally the figure of 
450,000,000 tae s as the to.al of the idemnities, the annual interest at 4 per cent 
wouM be 18,000,000. If China only pays 15,000,000 for the first year, there 
remains 8,000.000, the payment of which is deferred, and which consequently 
would also bear 4 per cent interest from the following year. At the beginning of 
the second year China would owe, therefore, 453,000,000 taels as capital, and so 
on and so on. 

His Excellency Li Hung-chang: Could not a portion of the 15,000.000 be devoted 
to the payment of the capital and the other to the payment of the interests? 

Mr. von Mumm: That i ; not possible, since the sum of 15,000,000 taels is lower 
than the amount of t e interests, which are 18,000,000 taels. 

His Excellency Li Hung-chang: My proposal is therefore impossible to apply, 
and some other system must necessarily be adopted to satisfy the powers. 

Mr. von Mumm: The committee, speaking always for itself, and without 
instructions from the diplomatic corps, is of opinion 'that the system already in 
force as regards the old loans should be applied to this new one. In paying a sum 
slightly in excess of the interest, the amortization could go on. Nevertheless, 
China experiencing difficulties to supply new resources, we have worked out a 
combination which does not impose new charges on the budget of the Empire in 
excess of a supplementary sum e:iual in amount to the interests— that is to say, 
18,000.000 taels. For the amortization we use the credit balance of the revenues 
actually devoted to the old loans, and which will begin from the year 1906, and 
will increase after that in 1916 and in 1932. China supplying annually f5T000,000 
taels more than what she is paying at the present for the interest on her old loans, 
this sum would be devoted, until 1905, to the payment of interest exclusively. In 
1906 a balance becomes available every year of the revenues actually controlled 
by the customs and terms of the amortization to begin to operate. This balance 
increases appreciably from the years 1916 and 1932. and at the same time the 
amount of interests decrease through the gradual extinction of the capital. Con- 
sequently the amortization can be carried out more and more rapidly and be 



188 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 

determined in forty-five years. During that period the burdens of China remain 
approximately the same, and only exceed by 18,000,000 taels as a maximum the 
annuities paid at the present day. 

His Excellency Li Hung-chang hands in a table of amortization drawn up 
according to the system which he has explained, and observes that the Govern- 
ment being in a difficult financial situation, proposes that the powers shall take 
into account its poverty. 

Mr. von Mumm remarks that this plan is different from that which was adopted 
for the old loans, and expresses the opinion that it would be preferable to make 
no innovations. On the demand of His Excellency 7 Li Hung-chang he promises 
to send him a table of amortization drawn up in accordance with the systems 
which he has mentioned. He insists on the fact that this c mmunication has no 
official character, and is only given as a simple information. The committee has 
not the power to propose or accept anything. 

Mr. von Mumm adds that the powers nave taken into consideration the finan- 
cial embarrassment of the Chinese Government, since they do not insist on a 
higher rate of interest than 4 per cent. This is a rate much inferior to the one 
which China expected, or which she would have had to pay to the bankers if she 
had been obliged to make a loan directly. 

His Excellency Li Hung-chang: Mr. Jamieson, in conversations which he has 
had with the Viceroys Chang Chih-tung and Liu Kun-yi, had promised them that 
this rate would not exceed 3^ per cent. Sir Ernest Satow declared that this is an 
invention of the viceroys. Mr. Jamieson promised nothing. Chang Chih-tung 
made an inquiry of him. 

His Excellency Li Hung-chang declares that the Chinese Government accepts 
with pleasure to pay 4 per cent, asking only that the annuities shall be proportion- 
ate to its resources. He has confidence in the re resentatives of the powers to 
he'p him to get out of his troubles. 

Sir Ernest Satow: The losses and expenses demanded by the Governments have 
b^en calculated in gold, according to the currency of each Government, but for 
the convenience of the Chinese plenipotentiaries the sums have been transferred 
into taels. It is self-evident, nevertheless, that later on when the Governments 
will officially present to China the amount of the. claims the latter will be calcu- 
lated in gold and that the interests will be in yold and not in taels. 

His Excellency Li Hung chang makes no objections. The present loans are for 
the most part calculated in gold. The Maritime Customs will be intrusted by 
China with the payment of the annuities to the powers, the latter dividing them 
up among themselves. 

Mr. von Mumm: The Chinese plenipotentiaries propose to us to organize a com- 
mittee of bankers charged with receiving the sums and dividing them up. 

Sir Ernest Satow: The Maritime Customs would pay each month to the commit- 
tee of bankers the fixed sum, and this latter would divide it up among those enti- 
tled to it. 

His Excellency Li Hung-chang: The Maritime Customs will be intrusted with 
demanding the amount of the payments from the ministry of finance. 

Sir Ernest Satow: Yes; and it would pay them into the committee of financial 
representatives of the powers. 

In reply to a question, Where would China take the 20,000.000 taels that she pro- 
poses to pay annually, according to the plan of amortization submitted by the 
Chinese plenipotentiaries, His Excellency declares that besides the 15,000,000 taels 
which China has already offered she could well dispose of 4.000,000 taels, the prod- 
uct of economies to be realized on the tribute rice, in substituting the payment of 
an allowance in money for a distribution of rice, and of 3,000,000 taels more on 
the receipts of the chief likins; in all, 22,000,000 taels. 

Mr. Komura having asked if in the case where the powers would accept an 
increase of the import duties to 10 per cent China would agree to abolish likin 
taxes on importations, His Excellency Li Hung-chang replied that his Government 
could do away with a part of the likins. 

The meeting came to an end at half past 11. 



Mr. RocMiill to Mr. Hay. 

No. 106.] Commissioner of the United States to China, 

Peking, China, June 4-, 1901. 
Sir: I have the honor to transmit herewith, for convenience of ref- 
erence, copies of the full correspondence exchanged with the Chinese 



REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 189 

plenipotentiaries in connection with the reform of the Court ceremonial 
relating to audiences of foreign representatives with His Majesty the 
Emperor. 

It seems highly probable tb,at this question will not be finally settled 
until the return of the Emperor to Peking and an audience is offered 
the foreign representatives. Li Hung-chang has repeatedly assured 
me that it can then be promptly and satisfactorily arranged. 
I am, etc., 

W. W. Rockhill. 



[Inclosure 1.— Translation.] 
M. de Cologan to the Chinese plenipotentiaries. 

Peking, April 18, 1901. 

Highness, Excellency: The representatives of the powers have taken, as regards 
the modifications to be introduced in the Court ceremonial, the following resolu- 
tions, of which they ask the execution, in conformity with article 12 of the Joint 
Note: 

Solemn audiences given by the Emperor to the diplomatic corps shall take place 
in the T'ai-ho Tien; those which shall be given to one of the representatives of the 
powers shall take place in the Chien-ching Kung. 

When the diplomatic agent shall present his letters of credence, or a communi- 
cation from the Chief of the State by whom he is credited, the Emperor shall send 
an Imperial sedan chair, which shall take him at his residence and conduct him 
with his suite to the palace, where he shall be received. He shall be reconducted 
with the same ceremony. 

In going to these audiences the diplomatic agent shall pass through the central 
doors (or gates) until he has handed in his letters of credence or communication. 
In returning he shall conform to the usages already established. 

The Emperor shall receive directly into his hands the letters or communications 
which the diplomatic agents shall have to give him. 

In going to solemn audiences the representatives of the powers shall be carried 
in their chairs before the hall in which they shall be received by the Emperor. 
They shall take their chairs again at the place at which they shall have left them. 

The Emperor shall assist in person at the banquets which he may offer to the 
diplomatic corps, as was done yearly before the events of v last year, and these ban- 
quets shall take place in the Chien-ching Kung. 

In a general way my colleagues declare that the Court ceremony concerning 
their receptions shall comply with the usages established between independent 
and equal nations, and they ask that the details entering into the settlement of 
this question, of which they confine themselves in indicating here the more gen- 
eral provisions, shall be incorporated in a protocol drawn up between them and 
the plenipotentiaries of the Imperial Government. 

I beg your highness and your excellency to 1 e pleased to ask the Emperor to 
order the measures which the execution of these resolutions necessitate. 

B. J. DE COLOGAN. 



[Inclosure 2.— Translation.] 
The Chinese plenipotentiaries to M. de Cologan, 

Peking, April 29, 1901. 

Your Excellency: On the 10th of April we had the honor to receive a com- 
munication from your excellency in which you submitted the conclusion arrived 
at by the foreign representatives in regard to the ceremonial to be observed at 
audiences of His Majesty the Emperor. 

Though the ceremonial is in accordance with the form prevailing in European 
countries and the United States, still there are certain points which we find it 
difficult to comply with. They are four in number, which we would submit for 
the consideration of the foreign representatives: 

1. As to general audiences being held in the T'ai-ho Tien, we would point out 
that this throne hall is used by the Emperor, who ascends the Throne on the 



190 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 

occasion of great celebrations and when his majesty receives New Year's con- 
gratulations. When the Emperor ascends the throne, the insignia carried before 
the Emperor, the Emperor's traveling equipage or escort, the whip which is 
cracked, and the band of music, must be arranged in due order. The princes, 
dukes, and civil and military officers are assigned places in the courtyard where 
the stones are marking their rank. The rules are very strict and not the least 
disorder will be allowed. 

The Emperor must appear in full court dress, and the forms of etiquette are 
multifarious. It is therefore very inconvenient to hold audiences granted to for- 
eign representatives there. If a change is made and audiences held in another 
hall this would seem to be more suitable. 

2. In the matter of the foreign representative presenting his letters of credence, 
or a letter from the head of his State, on which occasion an Imperial sedan chair 
should be sent for them, we would state that it is not convenient to send the 
chair the Emperor rides in. The Imperial household naturally should prepare a 
sedan chair, such as is used by the high officials of the first rank, to be sent for the 
minister; this would be in accordance with the rules of state. There is practi- 
cally no difference in the above system to that prevailing in European countries. 

3. As to the question that the foreign representatives should be taken to the 
steps of the audience ball and should be taken back therefrom, we would observe 
that heretofore princes, dukes, and ministers of state, on going to the forbidden 
city, alight from their chairs outside of the Tung Hua gate and the Hsi Hua gate, 
as the case may be. An exception, however, has been made by special decree in 
the case of Prince Kung, the uncle of the Emperor, and Prince Chun, the father of 
the Emperor, who are permitted to take their chairs to the Ching Yun gate on the 
east side and to the Lung Tsung gate on the west side. In European countries 
the foreign representatives take carriages, but they are not allowed to go to the 
front of the steps of the audience hall. It appears that there is no distinction made 
in this rule. The question should receive further consideration and changes made. 

4. As to the question that if banquets are given, as have been done in previous 
years, these should take place in the Chien-ching Kung and the Emperor assist in 
person, we may observe that the ceremonial at banquets given by sovereigns of 
foreign countries to diplomatic representatives is not the same. That banquets 
should be given in the Chien-ching Kung and the Emperor assist in person is still a 
trivial matter, and changes can be made by way of accommodation or compromise; 
but as to banquets being given, this is a matter optional (with the Emperor), and 
x>ne that can await further discussion. 

The above we present as being our views for your excellency's further considera- 
tion. 

In a word, no matter what form of courtesy China shows to the foreign repre- 
sentatives, on no account will it be other than on a footing of equality between 
the two countries concerned without loss of prestige. 

In sending this communication to your excellency, as dean of the diplomatic 
corps, we beg that you will confer with your ( olleagues and favor us with a reply. 



[Inclosure 3.— Translation.] 

M. de Cologan to the Chinese plenipotentiaries. 

Peking, May 11, 1901. 

Highness, Excellency: On the 29th of April I had the honor to receive your 
communication in reply to the one which I had sent you on the 1 8th to com- 
municate to you the views of my colleagues concerning the modifications of the 
Court ceremonial concerning the reception of foreign representatives by His 
Majesty the Emperor. 

My colleagues request me to inform you, in reply to your letter, that the hall 
in the Imperial Palace called Chien-ching Kung. which they had indicated as 
the most appropriate for the audiences of separate foreign representatives of His 
Majesty, being also suitable for audiences given to the whole diplomatic corps, 
they modify the demand transmitted in my letter of the 18th of April in that sense. 
The Chien-ching Kung shall be the hall in which all solemn audiences given by 
His Majesty the Emp9ror to the representatives of the powers, either individually 
or collectively, shall take place. 

As to the Imperial sedan chair which is to be sent to the residence of a foreign 
representative for the presentation of his letters of credence or a communication 



REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 191 

from the Chief of the State by which he is accredited, my colleagues understand 
by that that it shall be a sedan chair of the Imperial color, similar to those used 
by His Majesty. 

The explanations which you have given concerning the spot where the foreign 
ministers should leave and get back into their sedan chairs when they shall be 
admitted to Imperial audiences have not appeared satisfactory to my colleagues, 
who insist in this connection, and under reserve of the modification accepted by 
them in the selection of the hall, on the right which they have demanded. In con- 
sequence they will alight and get back into their sedan chairs at the foot of the 
steps leading up to the hall. 

As regards the banquets which His Majesty the Emperor may give to the repre- 
sentatives of the powers, my colleagues request me to inform you that the only 
bearing of their demand is to prevent that henceforth the Emperor should invite 
them in another building than one of those in the Imperial palace and that he 
should be represented by someone else at the ban xuets offered by him and in his 
name. But it never entered into their minds to make it obligatory for the 
Emperor to address to the diplomatic agents invitations to dinner. 

I avail myself of this opportunity, etc., 

B. J. DE COLOGAN. 



[Inclosure L— Translation.] 
TJie Chinese Plenipotentiaries to M. de Cologan. 

Peking, May 12, 1901. 

Your Excellency: On the 11th of May, we had the honor to receive your 
excellency's communication in reply, having reference to the audience ceremonial. 

We have given this matter our careful consideration, and we fiud that it is abso- 
lutely necessary for us to again present our views in support of the position we 
take. 

As to the color of the chair, we may state that in China the Emperor is the only 
personage using the sedan chair covered with yellow. The Princes, Dukes, and 
Ministers of State all use chairs covered with green cloth. 

On a foreign representative going to an audience, a large sedan chair covered 
with green cloth should be provided and sent to take him. This would fully show 
honor and dignity to his rank. To ride in a yellow chair would appear as though 
the personage in it was the Emperor himself. On hearing this the people would 
naturally become astonished, and it would also be inconvenient for us to present 
your excellency's communication in a memorial to the Throne. In a previous 
communication we explained our views re the question of the place where the 
foreign representatives should alight and take their chairs. 

Under the system hitherto prevailing in China, Princes, Dukes, and Ministers of 
State alight from their chairs outside of the Tung Hua gate; but as to the chairs 
the Emperor grants them for use in the Forbidden City, these are in the shape 
of small chairs which they can ride in to the Ching Yun gate. 

In the communication ( under acknowledgment ) it states that on an audience 
being given to a single representative or to the diplomatic corps, these should be 
given in the Chien-ching Kung. 

We would observe that to enter the audience hall in question it is necessary to 
take the road by way of the Ching Yun gate. Then conformably to the rule exist- 
ing in regard to the chairs granted to Princes, Dukes, and Ministers of State, going 
into the Forbidden City, these are taken after entering the Tung Hua gate. The 
chairs are called i chiao. This would be more in accordance with what is befit- 
ting. The foreign representatives alighting from and taking their chairs in front 
of the steps of the Chien-ching Kung would not be suitable, and it would be a 
matter difficult to agree to. 

We have the honor, therefore, to request your excellency to be good enough to 
satisfactorily arrange this matter with your colleagues and favor us with a reply. 



[Inclosure 5.— Translation.] 

M. Cologan to the Chinese Plenipotentiaries, 

Peking, May 28, 1901. 
Highness and Excellency: I received the letter which you were pleased to 
send me under date the 12th of May, concerning the court ceremony, and I did 
not fail to communicate it to my coileagues. 



192 EEPOET OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 

The representatives of the foreign powers, after having considered it, they 
requested me to inform your highness and your excellency that they can only 
maintain the demands expressed in my note of the 10th of May. 
I avail myself, etc. , 

B. J. DE COLOGAN. 

Mr. Rockhill to Mr. Hay. 

No. 107.] Commissioner of the United States to China, 

Peking, China, June 5, 1901. 

SIR: In my dispatch No. 54, of April 2 last, I informed you that 
the representatives of the powers, with the exception of the minister 
of Russia, had transmitted to the Chinese plenipotentiaries a list of 
provincial officials and others guilty of crimes committed against 
foreigners during the troubles of last year, for whom they demanded 
certain specific punishments. 

The penalties to be inflicted on the officials, as originally decided 
upon by the foreign representatives, included 10 capital sentences 
and 86 others of various degrees of severity. 

Under the influence of the President's instructions to me to oppose 
the shedding of any more blood and to urge moderation, the capital 
demands were reduced to 4, and various reductions were agreed to in 
the other penalties. 

Since this list was communicated to the Chinese plenipotentiaries 
(see inclosure 1 and list annexed) some of the foreign ministers have 
received information from their nationals in the interior exculpating 
certain of the persons whose names were borne on the list, and the 
Chinese Government has also adduced proof of the innocence of 
others, or has shown that they were not as guilty as at first supposed. 
These facts are all set forth in the inclosed copies of correspondence 
and in the notes I have made on the list accompanying the communi- 
cation of the ministers to the Chinese plenipotentiaries of April 1. 

The Imperial decree of April 29 (inclosure No. 8) orders the decapi- 
tation of 3 of the most guilty officials and an investigation of the case 
of a fourth, the death sentence to be promptly carried out if the 
charges made are proven to be true. The same decree awards pun- 
ishment to 48 other persons. 

In the case of Hu Te-hsiu (No. 25), information having been fur- 
nished me within the last few days by Mr. Atwood, an American 
missionary at Tai-ku Hsien, that this official was in all probablility 
innocent of the crimes charged to him, I have requested the Chinese 
plenipotentiaries to ask that the punishment awarded him be sus- 
pended and a careful inquiry made to determine on whom must rest 
the responsibility for the failure to protect our countrymen residing 
in this place, which resulted in their murder on Jul} 7 31 of last year. 

In the case of Hu Ching-kuei (No. 94), ex-provincial judge of the 
province of Shantung, I asked that an inquest be first made by the 
Chinese authorities, as I was assured by the governor of the province, 
Yuan Shih-k'ai, an old personal friend of mine and an official of great 
merit, that the charges against the accused lacked proof. This has 
also been agreed to by the foreign representatives. 

It seems probable that some of the cases now under investigation 
by the Chinese will result in convictions, but I fancy that a number 
of them will ultimately be dropped, with the exception, perhaps, of the 
names mentioned in the letter of the representatives to the Chinese 
plenipotentiaries of May 17 (inclosure No. 11). 



KEPOBT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 193 

I have not deemed it necessary to send yon the second list of sus- 
pected officials mentioned in the plenipotentiaries' note of April 1. 
The Chinese Government is inquiring into these cases, and it is pos- 
sible that some punishments may ensue, but they will not be in any 
case, I imagine, of great severity. 

I have the honor, etc., W. W. Rockhill. 



[Inclosure 1.] 
Foreign Plenipotentiaries to Chinese Plenipotentiaries, 

No. 107.] Peking, April 1, 1901. 

Highness, Excellency: You have been informed on several occasions, and 
particularly in the meeting which you had on the 5th of February with the repre- 
sentatives of the powers, that the names of the officials guilty of crimes committed 
in the provinces would be given yon, with the punishments which it seemed 
proper should be inflicted on these functionaries, in conformity with article II of 
the Joint Note. 

The undersigned plenipotentiaries have in consequence to communicate to you: 

First. A list of the officials whose guiltiness they consider established, and for 
whom they indicate the punishments to be inflicted. 

Second. A list of officials who have been reported to have been guilty, but con- 
cerning whom, in the absence of sufficient information, they ask that an inquest 
be made by the Chinese Government. 1 

The undersigned plenipotentiaries expect that you will be pleased to request, 
without delay, from the Throne, so as to finally settle this question, decrees in con- 
formity with the demand which they transmit to you. They hold that without 
waiting for the results of the inquest to be held by the Chinese Government, as 
rapidly as possible it would be proper to have posted throughout the Empire, and 
in compliance with Article X of the joint note, edicts mentioning the punish- 
ments which they announced. This will permit of satisfaction being given more 
promptly to the requests made by your highness and your excellency, the exami- 
nation of which was deferred until articles II and X of the Joint Note had been 
carried out. 

(Signed by all the representatives of the powers with the exception of the 
minister of Russia.) 

[Translation.] 

Punishments demanded for principal culprits, 

Shan-si. 

1. Pai Ch'ang, district magistrate of Yang-chii Hsien, agent of Yu Hsien. Caused 

the treacherous massacre in the early part of July at T'ai-yuan Fu of over 
40 foreign men, women, and children. Decapitation. 

2. Cheng Wen-ch'in, taotai of Kuei-hua Ch'eng. Guilty of the murder of Mon- 

signor Hamer, of Captain Watts- Jones, of 4 Catholic missionaries, and of 14 
Swedes. Decapitation. 

3. Hsu Seng (or Chi)-ju, prefect of Fen-chou Fu. Under pretext of furnishing a 

safe conduct to the missionaries residing in that city, he gave orders which 
led on the 16th April to their massacre by the soldiery, in the district of Wen 
shui, of Mr. and Mrs. At water and their two daughters, of Mr. and Mrs. 
Price and child, of Mr. and Mrs. Lundgren and child. Death sentence. 

4. Hsu Kuei-fen, department magistrate of Hsin Chou. Gave the order to mas- 

sacre Mr. and Mrs. Dixon, Mr. and Mrs. Underwood, Mr. and Mrs. McCui- 
loch, Miss Renant. Mr. Ennals, and other missionaries. They were killed on 
the 9th of August at Hsin Chou. Death sentence. 

5. Kuang Ting-kuang, district magistrate of Ho-chin Hsien. On the 16th July 

the soldiers of his yamen pursued and killed several missionaries at Ch'ing- 
chia-wan. These missionaries were Mr. and Mrs. McConnell and child, Miss 
King, Miss Barton, Mr. and Mrs. Young. Degradation: exile for life. 

1 List omitted. 
S. Doc. 67 13 



194 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 

6. Ma Hsiu-kuo. military officer at T'ai-yuan Fu. Took personal part in the mas- 

sacre of the missionaries. Degradation; exclusion from all new honors. 

7. Chin Feng-chi, commander of the guard at T'ai-yuan Fu. Put Father Elia in 

chains and caused his martyr. Degradation; exile for life. 
8. , district magistrate of Hiao-i Hsien. Guilty of the murder of 

Miss Whitchurch and of Miss Searrell, who were beaten by his order till 

death resulted (30th June). Degradation; exile. 
9. , district magistrate of Ta-ning Hsien. Refused to protect Misses 

E. and M. Nathan and Miss Haysman, who immediately after, with his 

consent, were put to death at Ta-ning. Degradation; exile for life. 
10. , district magistrate of Tse-chou Fu. Refused to protect when 

passing through that city several English missionaries coming from Ping- 

yao and from Lu-ch'eng, on their way to Hu-pei. Degradation; exclusion 

from all new honors. 

11. Pi Ch'eng, district magistrate of Lu-ch'eng Hsien. Would neither help nor 

protect the missionaries. Is responsible for the suffering they endured in 
their flight. Degradation; exclusion from all new honors. 

12. Yu Tai-lin, district magistrate of Kao-p'ing Hsien. Cruelly treated on their 

passage the missionaries coming from P'ing-yao and Lu-ch'eng. Degra- 
dation. 

13. En Shun, district magistrate of Chang-tso Hsien. Refused to protect the 

missionaries coming from P'ing-yao and Lu-ch'eng when they passed. 

Degradation. 
14. , department magistrate of Hsi-chou. Called the Boxers into the 

city; is responsible, in consequence, for the death of Mr. and Mrs. Peat, and 

of the other missionaries who, driven from Hsi-chou, were massacred at 

Chii-wo Hsien. Degradation and exile. 
15. , district magistrate of Chii-wo Hsien. Is guilty of not having 

protected the missionaries, and of having thus caused the massacre, with 

awful suffering, of Mr. and Mrs. Kay and child. Degradation; exile for 

life. 
16. , district magistrate of Yiieh-yang Hsien. Refused to protect two 

English missionaries, Messrs. Barrett and Woodroffe, who were massacred 

by the Boxers. Degradation; exclusion from all new honors. 

17. Ch'in Chien-hu, district magistrate of Shan-yang Hsien. Treated with the 

greatest cruelty the English missionaries; he arrested them, put them in 
irons, and sent them, without food, to Tai-yuan Fu, where they were mas- 
sacred. Degradation; exile for life. 

18. Mao Shih-fu, assistant district magistrate of Ho-lin-k'o-erh, and 

19. Fan En-ch'ing, assistant district magistrate of To-k'o-t'o Cheng, are accused of 

having offered rewards to whoever should kill or deliver an European or a 
Chinese convert. Over 1,500 Christians were killed in their districts under 
conditions of unexampled cruelty. Degradation; death sentence; exile; 
imprisonment for life. 

20. Li Ming-ho, keeper of the board of punishments at Ning-yuan. Accused of 

having delivered Monsigneur Hamer to the soldiers. Death sentence. 

21. Yung Te, Tartar general at Sin-yuan cheng, and 

22. K'uei Ch'eng, 1 military lieutenant-governor at Kuei-hua Ch'eng, are probably 

the principal instigators of all the atrocities committed in the Tai-hai. 
Their soldiers took part in the massacre of Fathers Heinmann, Hallet, 
Dobbe, and Zylmans. Degradation; imprisonment for life. 

23. Kuo Chih-shu, district magistrate of Kuei-hua Ch'eng. On the 20th of 

August, 1900, at the head of 300 soldiers, he attacked the mission of T'ieh- 
mi-tan-kou; killed and burned ten foreign missionaries. Four other mis- 
sionaries, who had fled a mile away, were pursued and put to death. One 
Catholic priest and 13 Swedes, men, women, and children, were put to death. 
Death sentence, with commutation to life exile. 

24. , district magistrate of Yii-tzu Hsien. Accomplice in the mas- 
sacre of foreigners. Degradation: exclusion from all new honors. 

25. Hu Te-hsiu,-' district magistrate of T'ai-ku Hsien. All the foreigners who 
happened to be in this town were massacred on the 31st July, including Mr. 
and Mrs. Clapp, Mr. Williams, Mr. Davis, Misses Bird and Partridge. 
Degradation; exile for life. 

1 Degradation for life agreed upon. Letter of F. R. of April 22. 

2 Dr. Atwood, of the T'ai-ku mission, having informed me that this o c Pcial 
seemed to be wrongly charged, 1 have asked the Chinese plenipotentiaries to 
make inquest and punish only responsible person. W. W. R. 



BEPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 195 

26. Yang Chim, brigadier-general. Murder of Mr. and Mrs. McKee, Mrs. 
Janson, Miss Aspdtn, and Miss Smith. Degradation. 

27. , district magistrate of Tai-yuan Hsien. Caused several Chris- 
tians to be put to death. Degradation. 

28. , district magistrate of Ning-hsiang Hsien, and 

29. Kung , district magistrate of Lin Hsien, incited the Boxer chiefs to mas- 

sacre the missionaries and Christians. Degradation. 

Mongolia. 

30. The Prince of Alashan. Expelled all the missionaries in the portion of the 

vicariat depending on Kan-su. Censure. 

31. The Prince of Djungar. Instigator of persecutions against Christians. 

Censure. 

32. The Prince of Talat. Caused over 800 Christians to be massacred. Degrada- 

tion ; imprisonment for life. 

33. Chang Chin-sheng, called Chang ssu; 

34. Yangpa-tsung; 

35. Ho Shao-kuan, military officers at Ning Niao-liang; 

36. HsuTa-tlen; 

37. Liu , military officer at Yu-ling, were at the head of the Boxers who for 

forty-nine days besieged the mission of Hsiao-kiao pan. Father Gisbert 
Jaspers was killed. Degradation. 

Eastern Mongolia. 

38. WenHsing, district magistrate of Luan-p'ing Hsien. Caused Father Segersto 

be massacred. This missionary having succeeded in hiding in the moun- 
tains after the pillage of the residency of Lao-hu kou, was taken on the 
16th July, beaten, and imprisoned at Jehol. Led before the tribunal of Luan- 
p'ing Hsien, in the night of the 21st to the 22d July, he stayed there three 
days. On the 24th of the same month, after a brief examination, he was 
led by order of the district magistrate to the bank of the river 500 meters 
from the town to where a grave had been dug, there he was buried alive 
by six men from the tribunal. Six days after his body was dug up and 
thrown into the river. Christians of Tien-chiao kou having found the body 
of their pastor, buried it near their chapel. • The pagans of the village hav- 
ing informed the official of Luan-p'ing, he sent men who threw the body 
back into the river. Decapitation. 

Chih-li. 

39. Yu Lu, governor-general of Chihli. One of the officials the most compromised 

in the late troubles. Organized the attack of the Boxers and of the regular 
troops on the foreigners at Tientsin. Transmitted the edict ordering the 
massacre of foreigners throughout the Empire. Posthumous degradation. 

40. Tso Lo-ling, of the gentry of the village of Wang-hsiao. Sent by the district 

magistrate of Wu-i Hsien to parley with the Boxers, who were coming to 
the number of about 200 to attack Wu-i, he falsely stated that all had been 
arranged, and that there was no more danger. The gates of the town were 
opened, the Boxers entered, and massacred Fathers Isore Reme andModesta 
Andlauer. Term of imprisonment. 

41. Chang Ping-chih, former district magistrate of Wu-i. Openly protected from 

the beginning and patronized the Boxers. He made of his district a center 
from which went the leaders who attacked and ruined the districts of Shen- 
chou and Ho-chien Fu. Death sentence. 

42. Chen Tse lin, provincial judge of Kiangsi. Passing through Chiang-chou, he 

attacked, at the instigation of the prefect, the Christian community of 
Chu-chia ho, where Fathers Ignace Manginand Paul Deare were massacred. 
Degradati n; exclusion from all new honors. 

43. Hung Shou peng. protect of Ching-chou. requested Provincial Judge Chen to 

attack the mission of Chu-chia ho. Degradation, etc. 

44. Wang Lien-san, general at T aiming Fu. 

45. Miao Yu-ko. district magistrate at T'ai-ming Fu. 

46. Wang Ching -yang, district magistrate at Yuan-ch'eng Hsien, expelled the 

missionaries, despoled them of everything, and exposed them to be massa- 
cred. Degradation, etc. 



196 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 

47. Kung Ying, district magistrate of Nan-lo Hsien, drove the missionaries out of 

his yamen and delivered them to the mob, exposing them to be massacred. 

Degradation, etc. 
48. , district magistrate of Ching-yuan Hsien, refused to help the 

Green family. Degradation, etc. 
Note. — This official is believed to be at present in the Peking (Shun-tien 

Fu) prefecture. 

49. Li Chao-chen, district magistrate of Wang-tu Hsien, guilty of bad treatment 

of the Green family. Degradation, etc. 

50. Ch'ang Tsui, chief of the grainery department at Tung-chou, was head of the 

Boxers in that city, where he took a very active part in organizing them into 
a corps. Degradation; not to be given a new office or receive new honors. 

MANCHURIA. 

51. Chin Ch'ang, military lieutenant-governor of Mukden, gave the order himself 

to the soldiers to join the Boxers to massacre Mgr. Guillou, Father Ernonet, 
Sister Ste. Croix Grandury, Sister M. A. Roechlin, two Chinese priests, 
and a great number of Christians. Death sentence. 

52. Chen , prefect of Liao-yang, caused to be beheaded the seminarist Fabien 

Chao and numerous Christians. Degradation; imprisonment for life. 

53. Ch'ang Lao-te, head of the train bands of Ya-tzu ch'ang, took an active part in 

the murder of Fathers Viaud, Agnius, and Bayart on July 11. Degradation; 
exile for life. 

54. , military lieutenant-governor of the province of Hei-lung Chiang, 

responsible for the massacre of Fathers Leroy, Geojon, and Souvignet. 
Degradation; exile for life. 

55. Wo-ko-chin-tai, military lieutenant-governor of Hu-lan Ch'eng, did not pro- 

tect Father Souvignet, and allowed his head to be exhibited at the gate of a 
temple. Degradation. 

56. Ao , a military officer, on arriving at Pa-yen su-su, wanted to put to 

death Fathers Homner and Roubin, who were saved by the officials of the 
town. To satisfy his hatred of foreigners, Ao went to the Christian com- 
munity of Hsiao shih-t'ou ho, caused the body of Father Riffard, deceased 
thirteen years ago, to be dug up, set fire to the church and to the residency, 
and massacred the Christians. Death sentence; exile for life. 

HU-NAN. 

57. Yu Lien-san, governor of Hu-nan, compromised in the murder of Mgr. Fan- 

tosati and of Father Gambaro. Degradation; exclusion from all new 
honors. ] 

58. Lung Wen, taotai of Heng Chou, sent his emissaries to stir up the population 

against Mgr. Fantosati and Father Gambaro, who had arrived in a boat 
and who had written to him on arriving at the gates of the city asking him 
to protect them. These two missionaries had their eyes plucked out and 
were killed in the most cruel fashion. Death sentence. 

59. Yu Ch'ing, prefect of Heng-chou Fu, and 

60. Cheng Ping, district magistrate of Ching-chuan Hsien, incurred great responsi- 

bility for the assassination of Mgr. Fantosati and Father Gambaro. They 
refused to protect them, and they must be held as accomplices of the taotai. 
Yu Ch'ing published incendiary proclamations which led to the destruction 
of Protestant chapels. Degradation; exclusion from all new honors. 

CHE-KIANG. 

61. Pao Tsu-ling, taotai of Ch'u-chou, known for his hatred of foreigners, 

encouraged the train bands and the rioters to massacre the foreigners at 
Ch'u-chou Fu (21st, 22d, and 23d July). It would have been easy for him 
to have protected them, but he allowed, before the gate of his yamen, Mr. and 
Mrs. Thompson and their two children, Miss Desmond, Miss Sherwood, and 
Miss Manchester to be insulted and murdered. When informing the gov- 
ernor of these murders he praised the train bands for the patriotic spirit 
they had shown. Death sentence. 

62. Chou Chih-te, commander of the town guard of Ch'u-chou, took an active part 

in the massacre of foreigners. Not only did he plan the attack on the mis- 
sionaries, but he led in person the rioters. Decapitation. 



Reduction agreed to. Letter of foreign representatives, April 22. 



EEPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 197 

63. Liu Shu-fang, former governor of Che-kiang, published a secret edict ordering 

the murder of foreigners. He is likewise responsible for the massacre at 
Ch'ii-chou. Although he later on withdrew this edict, the massacres began 
at once. He remained at his post as governor for four months thereafter, 
and he took no action against the murderers. He should have suspended 
from duty the principal officials of the city. Degradation; exile for life. 1 

64. Yung Ch'uan, provincial judge of Che-kiang, at present treasurer, is respon- 

sible for the publication of the secret edict, one of the causes of the Ch'ii- 
chou massacre. He is the head of the antiforeign movement at Hang-chou; 
never tried to conceal his hatred of foreigners. Degradation; exile for life. 

65. Yii Chuu-ming, former brigadier-general at Ch'ii-chou, was present with 

the taotai, in the yamen of the latter, at the massacre of foreigners which 
took place on the 21st July at the gate of the yamen. He had 5,000 soldiers 
under his command, and the fact of his not having tried to put down the 
uprising, which ended in a massacre, proves that these crimes were com- 
mitted with his consent. Degradation; exile for life. 

66. Hung Ssu-liang, former prefect of Ch'ii-chou, refused to give aid and protec- 

tion to the missionaries who were massacred, and was present with the taotai 
and the general of brigade at the murder of the foreigners at the gate of the 
yamen. Degradation. 

67. Cheng Lien-sheng, 

68. Cheng Yung-hsi, and 

69. Lo Lao-ssii, son of Admiral Lo, are the most guilty among the gentry who 

encouraged the massacres. Degradation. 

SZE-CHUAN. 

70. Li Ch'ang-pei. prefect of K'iung-chou, allowed the missions to be pillaged. 

Several Christians were killed or wounded. Degradation. 2 

71. Wang Chi-yin, taotai of Chien-chang, 

72. Lu Ting-chin, district magistrate of Ming-shan Hsien, 

73. Wang Chih-t'ung, and 

74. Li Nien-tzu, obstinately refused to interfere to protect the missionaries and to 

give justice to the Christians. Degradation. 3 

TIBET. 

75. Ching Shan, Chinese resident in Tibet, is accused, while going to his post, of 

having asked the local authorities to get ready to expel foreigners and exter- 
minate Christians. Troubles broke out in Li-t'ang. (Note. — A letter from 
Chung-king announces the death of this official. ) Posthumous degradation. 

KUEI-CHOU. 

76. Lo Fen-lin, military official, dismissed for dishonesty. A native of Ssu-nan 

Fu. He is the chief author of the attacks against the Christians of that local- 
ity and of Lung-chuan, in which twenty persons were massacred. On hear- 
ing of the events in Chihli this individual raised a band of adventurers, who 
plundered all the Christian communities of the region and killed the inhab- 
itants. Term of imprisonment. 

HO-NAN. 

77. Yin , brigade general at Nan-yang Fu. Noted for his hostility to for- 

eigners. The massacres of natives in Ho-nan should be attributed to him. 
He caused the Rev. Father Argento to be maltreated, and he published a 
proclamation which brought about the destruction of the buildings of the 
mission of Sha-chi-tien. Degradation. 

78. Li Jo-hsien, head man of the village of Hsin-tien, excited the populace against 

Father Argento, who was maltreated. This missionary was able to escape 
the massacre by hiding and fleeing. Degradation. 

degradation, with confiscation of property and police surveillance in his home, 
agreed to. ' Letter of foreign representatives to Chinese plenipotentiaries of April 4. 

2 Reduction of punishment agreed to bv letter of foreign representatives of 
April 22. 

3 In the case of No. 71 a lesser punishment was agreed to by letter of foreign rep- 
resentatives of April 22. 



198 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA . 

79. Yen Chih, former provincial judge of Ho-nan, recently appointed in Shnnsi. 
published the orders against foreigners. Degradation. 1 

80. , district magistrate of Ho-nei Hsien, acted hostilely to the Eng- 
lish missionaries when passing on their way to Ho-pei. Degradation. 

81. , district magistrate of Jung-tse Hsien, refused the magistrate of 

Wu-chih to the passing missionaries, occasioning them thereby great suffer- 
ing. Degradation. 

82. , department magistrate of Cheng-chou v treated with extreme 

brutality the missionaries coming from Ping-yao and Lu-ch ? eng. Degra- 
dation, etc. 

83. Lin , district magistrate of Hsi-hua Hsien, refused repeatedly to protect 

the missionaries, who were obliged to leave the town when their homes were 
burnt. Degradation, etc. 

84. Wang , district magistrate of Chou-chia ho, department of Chen-chou 

Fu, refused to protect the missionaries; riots occurred on the 10th of July, 
and they were obliged to leave the town after having been nearly massacred. 
Degradation, etc. 

85. Ts'en Ch'uan-jung, taotai of Ho-pei, published defamatory proclamations and 

excited the officials and the people against the Christians and the mission- 
aries. Degradation, etc.' 2 

86. Lu Ko-ying (Lu Yueh-ching?) , district magistrate of Hua Hsien, 

87. Ch'e Chun, district magistrate of She Hsien, and 

88. Shih Keng, district magistrate of An-yang Hsien, guilty of the pillage and 

burning of the chnrches and goods of the missions and of the Christians. 
Degradation, etc. 

89. Tseng , prefect of Wei-hui Fu, responsible for the killing of Christians. 

Degradation, etc. 

90. Ch'en Shih-wei, district magistrate of Wu-an Hsien, would not remove the 

body of a missionary lately deceased and dug up by the populace. The 
body of this missionary was thrown on the road after the head had been cut 
off and the limbs severed, and was devoured by dogs. Degradation, etc. 

KIANG-SI. 

91. Sung Shan, governor of Kiang-si, in obedience to the commands emanating 

from the imperial court, he himself stirred up troubles. The delegates sent 
by him, under pretext of recruiting in the towns, got together bands which 
they excited to burn and to pillage the Catholic establishments. Degrada- 
tion, etc. 3 

92. Teng Hsuan-yu, district magistrate of Nan-feng Hsien, refused to receive an 

act of accusation from the Christians, and encouraged the people to massa- 
cre them, Degradation, etc. 

93. Wang Pao-jen (Chiang Pai-jen), district magistrate of Nan-ch'eng Hsien, 

caused the buildings of the mission to be destroyed. Degradation, etc. 

SHAN- TUNG. 

94. Hu Ching-kuei, former provincial judge of Shantung, at present provincial 

judge of Ho-nan, showed great activity in the antiforeign crusade; used all 
his influence to prevent the punishment of Boxers and those guilty of the 
murder of missionaries; encouraged the officials to acts of hostility. Degra- 
dation; not to receive new functions or new honors. 4 

95. Chin Ying-kuei, district magistrate of En Hsien, not only protected Boxers, 

but allowed several Christians to be killed in his jurisdiction, publicly an- 
nouncing his hatred of foreigners. Degradation, etc. 

96. T'u Nai-hsun, district magistrate of Hsiaching Hsien, protected the Boxers 

and refused to do anything to protect the property of the American mis- 
sionaries at Ho-chia t'un and the Christians, whom he allowed to be freely 
persecuted. Degradation, etc. 

1 Inquest agreed to by letter of foreign representatives of April 22. 

2 By letter of April 27 the foreign representatives informed the Chinese plenipo- 
tentiaries that they agreed to simple degradation for these three (85. 86. and 87). 
See letter of Chinese plenipotentiary to foreign representatives of April 21. 

3 Charges dropped by letter of foreign representatives to Chinese plenipotentiaries 
of April 22. 

4 Inquest agreed to by letter of foreign representatives to Chinese plenipoten- 
tiaries of April 22. 



REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 199 

[Inclosure 2— Translation.] 
Tlie Chinese plenipotentiaries to M. de Cologan. 

Peking, April 3, 1901. 

Your Excellency: On the 31st of March (April 1) we received a communica- 
tion from the foreign representatives, inclosing a list of officials in the provinces 
whom they requested should be punished. In the list appears the name of Liu 
Shu-tang, formerly governor of Chekiang, and the former provincial .judge of the 
same province, Yung Ch'uan, whom the foreign representatives requested should 
be degraded and punished by perpetual banishment to the extreme borders on the 
frontier. 

Although these officers have been guilty of transacting business not altogether 
in a satisfactory manner, still we can not entirely believe it is true that their pur- 
pose was, as it is said, to really massacre foreigners. 

Governor Liu is now over 70 years of age, and he has generally taken action in 
good earnest in transacting public business, and certainly he is to be pitied. 

Provincial Judge Yung had only been in office a short time, and there should 
also be some excuse made in his case. 

We beg that your excellency will bring this matter to the notice of the foreign 
representatives, asking them to consider it, and agree to a more lenient form of 
punishment being meted out to these officers, and favor us with a reply. 

(Card of Prince Ching and Li Hung-chang, with compliments.) 



[Inclosure 3— Translation.] 
The Foreign representatives to the Chinese plenipotentiaries. 

Peking, April 4, 1901. 

Highness, Excellency: We have the honor to acknowledge receipt of your 
letter dated yesterday, in which you request us to grant a reduction in the pun- 
ishment which we proposed for the ex-governor and the provincial judge of 
Chekiang, whose names figure in the list of guilty provincial officials. 

In reply to this communication we deem it proper to note that Liu Shu-t'ang 
and Yung-ch'uan have been acknowledged guilty of complicity in the murder of 
missionaries committed at Chti Chou. The first accused, he who played the chief 
role in the assassination, was the Taotai Pao, who mercilessly closed his door to 
missionaries whose murder took place outside it. 

But the first responsibility for the crime must, without doubt, be thrown on 
the governor of the province. The taotai acted in accordance with an imperial 
decree, which was published by Liu Shu-t'ang, with the active assistance of Yung 
Chuan. 

In view of the fact that these officials caused the movement which resulted in 
the villainous murder of missionaries, they deserve the severest punishment, with- 
out the benefit of extenuating circumstances. 

In view of the remoteness of the court, they might without danger, as did other 
high provincial officials animated by feelings of humanity, have treated the decree 
as an act of folly. 

Under these conditions the penalty proposed can not be regarded as dispropor- 
tionate to their crime. Nevertheless, taking into consideration the age of Liu 
Shu-tang, who is 70 years old, and the request which your highness and your 
excellency have presented for him, we consent, as a special act of grace, to the 
commutation of the original penalty into one removing definitely Liu Shu-tang 
from the public service with confiscation of his property, and that he be sent baci? 
to his country, where he shall be strictly placed under the supervision of the local 
authorities. In the case of Yung Ch'uan, extenuating circumstances can not be 
allowed, and the undersigned representatives of the powers insist that his sentence 
be carried out. 

(Signed by all the foreign representatives except the minister of Russia.) 



[Inclosure 4— Translation.] 

Tlie Chinese plenipotentiaries to the Foreign representatives. 

Peking, April 4, 1901. 
Your Excellencies: On the 1st of April we had the honor to receive a commu- 
nication from the foreign representatives, inclosing two lists — one giving the 
names of officials in the provinces who should be punished and the other giving 



200 RE POET OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 

the names of officials in the provinces whose conduct should be subject to a a 
investigation. 

We duly submitted these lists in a telegraphic memorial to the Throne, request- 
ing that an imperial decree be issued in regard thereto. 

On the 16th of April we received a telegram from the Grand Council, stating 
that "The lists submitted regarding the punishments of the provincial officials had 
been presented to the throne, and that a verbal decree had been issued to effect 
that some of the persons whose names are proposed for punishment should be 
made the subject of further discussion. Article 10 of the Joint Note strictly 
defines that punishment shall be inflicted on officials hereafter for failure to pro- 
tect (foreigners). But it is not convenient in cases occurring previous to the 
signing of the convention affecting missions in the provinces, where the local 
authorities did not give full and adequate protection, but where no lives were 
taken, and where they did not screen or protect the Boxers, that the officers should 
be forever prohibited from holding any office or honors. 

"In a previous telegram the Prince of Talat is proposed (for punishment), but 
his case must still receive further inquiry and action taken accordingly. It is not 
convenient to imprison him. 

" It is proposed to degrade Governor Liu Shu- fang, and send him to his native 
place. It is not convenient, however, to confiscate his property. 

"As to the case of Yen Chih, transferred as provincial judge of Shansi, it is stated 
that he treated foreigners with contempt; general instructions were issiied to vari- 
ous officials to investigate the matter, but no absolute proof of the charge has 
been found against him. Telegraphic instructions were also issued to various 
officials to investigate the charge, but the reports received are that nothing of the 
kind occurred. 

"As to the provincial judge of Shantung, Hu Ching-kuei, the charges against him 
are mere empty words. In Shantung the authorities exercised every means to 
protect the missionaries and exterminate the Boxers. The judge wa& at the 
time at the capital, and he was quite unable alone to treat foreigners with con- 
tempt and screen the Boxers. Further, the said judge issued proclamations 
prohibiting the practice of the Boxer antics. This can be inquired into. It is 
requested, therefore, that these officials (the above two) may be acquitted. 

" In the case of Kuei Cheng, deputy lieutenant-general, it may be observed that 
in regard to the missionary case at Kuei-hua Ch'eng the lieutenant-general had 
control of affairs, but the Kuei Sui taotai, Cheng Wen-chin, managed the case in 
question. Although Kuei Cheng was there, still he could not prevent (what hap- 
pened), and his punishment should be reduced. 

"As to the case of the taotai of Ho-pei, Ts'en Chuan-jung, at the time he issued 
a proclamation in which it was stated that those who desired to practice the 
Boxer antics must first make application to the local officials for permission to 
do so. The idea of issuing the proclamation was for the purpose of using it as a 
means of investigating and prohibiting the practice. It was issued at the time of 
a crisis and revolution, and the taotai could not but adopt a temporary arrange- 
ment to meet pressing circumstances. It was a measure of expediency. His case 
is not one where missionaries or native Christians were massacred, and it might 
be as well to reduce his punishment. 

"In the missionary cases in Szechuan the taotai and prefect of Chien-chang did 
not exert themselves in giving due protection, but there were no lives of mis- 
sionaries taken. It is right that the punishment that should be meted out to 
them should be lighter than that of the department and district officials (in the 
same province). 

"As to the prefect of Chu Chou, Huang Ssu-liang, this officer did not assist in 
the murder of the missionaries. He was merely connected with the taotai's 
yamen. He should be treated leniently. 

" In the matter of the other local officials of the provinces, they merely treated 
the missionaries harshly and did not exert themselves in protecting them on their 
journey. It is right, therefore, that the circumstances of each case should be 
clearly ascertained and light and heavy punishment be meted out accordingly. 
It is not convenient to punish them all by forever prohibiting them from holding 
any office or honors. We beg you to take up this matter and discuss it earnestly 
(with the foreign representatives), in the hope that these officers may be justly 
treated and protected. 

"There are 50 officers whose punishment, according to the list, is very heavy. 
Of this number there are 9 whose names it is necessary to ascertain. We now 
speedily telegraph you in regard to this matter, and hope you will consider it and 
lose no time in sending a reply by wire, to the end that we may memorialize the 
Throne and ask for a decree. 



REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 201 

"Of the 17 officials whose names should be ascertained, you should discuss with 
the foreign representatives the question of a lighter form of punishment being 
meted out to them. 

"The viceroys and governors concerned have been ordered to investigate with- 
out delay the cases of the 23 officials (excepting Governors Yu and Sung) whose 
names appear on the list. On their presenting their reports the Throne will be asked 
to issue a decree punishing them according as their respective crimes deserve. 

"As to the deputy lieutenant-generals of Mukden, Tsitsihar, and Hu Lan, and 
the military commandant of Pa-yen su-su. these should also have their punish- 
ments reduced.'' 

From the above telegram we would observe that there are four matters to be 
considered with the foreign representatives, viz: 

1. Are we first to request the Emperor to issue a decree punishing 41 officials, 
i. e., 50 officials originally suggested, less 9 whose names are to be ascertained, as 
proposed by the foreign representatives, their cases being comparatively severe as 
stated in the telegram? 

2. Will the foreign representatives agree to consider the question of reducing 
the punishments of the 23 officials (not including Governors Yu and Sung) after 
the viceroys and governors have presented their reports? 

3. Will the foreign representatives agree to the proposal in the telegram concern- 
ing officials whose offenses are comparatively light, and await until a statement 
can be made out by us, doing away, however, with the words " forever prohibited 
from holding any office or honor ? " 

4. Will the foreign representatives agree not to carry out the stipulations in 
article 10 in regard to the punishments of officials whose cases are to be investi- 
gated, as specified in the list, a decree to be issued in regard thereto; but after a 
report from the various high provincial authorities has been submitted to the 
Throne, then to take up a further discussion thereof ? 

The above four matters we received from the Grand Council in obedience to 
instructions from the Throne, and it is right that we should consider them with 
your excellencies. 

In sending this communication for your excellencies' information, we beg that 
you will favor us with an early reply. 



[Inclosure 5.— Translation.] 
The Chinese Plenipotentiaries to M. de Cologan. 

Peking, April 21, 1901. 

Your Excellency: We have the honor to inform your excellency that on the 
18th of May we received a telegraphic decree from Si-an as follows: 

" Yu Yin-lin, on the 18th of April, memorialized us by telegram, stating that in 
regard to the missionary cases in Ho-pei (Ho-nan) the taotai, Feng Kuang-yuan, 
and the French bishop, Scarella. had consulted together, and it was agreed that 
170,000 taels should be paid as indemnity, covering all the claims of the mission- 
aries. Further. 3,000 piculs of rice are to be given to relieve the native Christians. 
As to the principal criminals in the murder cases in Wu-an, separate instruc- 
tions had been issued (to the officials concerned) to take strenuous measures to 
effect their arrest. In the other cases of riot and disorder the guilty persons, esti- 
mated from 10 to 15, have been arrested, some of them put in the cangne and 
bambooed. and others confined in chains, receiving a light or heavy punishment, 
as their offenses deserved. All the missionaries have returned to their respective 
districts, the local officials supplying funds to enable them to rent houses for tem- 
porary occupation. Extra care has been taken to protect them, and soldiers deputed 
to preserve order. Bishop Scarella has explained matters concerning Slnh Keng, 
magistrate of An-yang. who exerted himself in protecting the missionaries. The 
bishop also reports that the acting magistrate of the Hua district. Lu lueh-ching, 
is a very good officer and was diligent "in arresting outlaws; that the magistrate of 
Wu-an, Chen Shih-wei, collected money and repaired the graves of the mission- 
aries. He also gave 11,200 taels for renting houses and providing relief and 200 
piculs of rice. The magistrate of the She district, Che Chun, con-ributed for the 
purchase of houses 2,000 taels. He also gave 200 piculs of rice and 200 taels for 
miscellaneous expenses. Bishop Scarella stated distinctly that he wished the above 
officials acquitted. In the case of the Ho-pei taotai, Ts'en Chuan yung, as he did 
not perform his duties properly, the bishop requested that he should be degraded. 



202 EEPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 

Of the indemnity, 50,000 taels have been paid on account and a limited time is 
given to pay the balance of the installments. Bishop Scarella has agreed to the 
settlement of the various cases and signed an agreement to that effect, so they are 
now all closed. A petition will be sent by the bishop to the French minister for 
his information. These cases have now been arranged and settled by the deputies 
of Honan, in conjunction with Bishop Scarella, and duly signed. As to the request 
that Ts'en Chuan-yung be degraded and the other officials be acquitted, it is right 
that action be taken accordingly. 

"Let the foreign representatives be at once informed of this and a telegraphic 
reply sent to us." 

We would observe that it appears that the four officers, viz, Shih Keng, of the 
An-yang district; Lu Yueh-ching, acting magistrate of the Hua district; Chen 
Shih-wei, magistrate of Wu-an, and Che Chun, magistrate of the She district, 
have contributed money in way of indemnity, also rice; have rented houses and 
protected missionaries. According to the statement of Bishop Scarella, these 
officers have performed their duties well, and did not fail to exert themselves in 
giving due protection. It is therefore requested that they be acquitted. In the 
case of the taotai of Ho-pei, Ts'en Chuan-jung, he did not perform his official 
duties properly, and it is requested that he be degraded. The governor of Honan 
has already memorialized the Throne by telegraph, asking his degredation, and a 
decree issued agreeing to this request. It is believed that the French minister 
must have received Bishop Scarella's telegram informing him of what had been 
done. 

As in duty bound, we send this communication for the information of your 
excellency, and ask you, after you have made special inquiry (of the French min- 
ister about this matter) , to favor us with a reply. 



[Inclosure 6.— Translation.] 
Foreign Representatives to Chinese Plenipotentiaries. 

Peking, April 22, 1901. 

Your Highness and Your Excellency: In reply to your dispatch of 17th of 
April concerning the punishments to be inflicted, in conformity with our demands, 
on the officials guilty of crimes committed in the provinces, we have the honor to 
transmit to you herewith the following resolutions: 

It is impossible for us to admit that the officials responsible for massacres or 
cruel treatment of which foreigners have been victims last year shall aspire in 
the present or in the future to new functions after having been punished with 
.great indulgence for the crimes for which they are responsible. We consequently 
insist that the officials who shall be degraded shall in no case become again func- 
tionaries of the Empire. 

The King of Talat can not be pardoned, having been responsible for the massacre 
of more than 800 persons. We consented in our letter of the 4th of April to a 
reduction of the punishment of Liu Shu-tang (63), and we can not accept a 
punishment lighter than the one we have indicated. We consent to an inquest 
concerning the charges made against Yen Chih (79) and Hu Ching-kuei (94); we 
consent to the degradation for life, without exile or imprisonment, for Kuei 
Cheng (22) ; we consider Chen Chuan-jung (8.1) as too guilty to deserve any reduc- 
tion of his punishment; we consent to a reduction in the punishment of the taotais 
(70,71) and of the prefect (70) of Chien-chang. We must insist on our demand 
concerning Hung Tzu-liang (66), former prefect of Chin Chou; we consent to a 
reduction in the punishment of Governor Yn (57) and to the omission of the name 
of Governor Sung (91) ; we can accept no reduction of any kind in the punishment 
of the three military lieutenant-governors of Mukden (5) , of Hei-lung Chiang (54) , 
and of Hu lu (55) and of the Tartar commander of Payen-su-su (56). 

We take note of the fact that you agree to the punishments which we have 
asked for 50 officials, 9 of whom are to be identified, and we accept your proposi- 
tion that you should ask at the present moment a decree in this sense. With the 
reservation made at the commencement of this letter concerning officials for whom 
we insist on the original demand of punishments made, we accept the inquest and 
the ulterior discussion which you promise us for those for whom you make a 
request for reduction of punishment. We can not accept the suppression of the 
words "without it being possible to ever recall them to new functions," which 
would apply to degraded officials. We request you to ask, without any delay, of 
the Throne an edic£ in conformity with our propositions, containing mention of 



REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 203 

all the punishments and of those which you have inflicted, and announcing the 
inquests for the officials who shall be subjected to this formality. 

Please accept, your highness and your excellency, the assurances of oar very 
high consideration. 

(Signed by all the ministers, with the exception of the Russian.) 



[Inclosure 7.— Translation.] 
Li Hung-chang to Mr. Rockhill. 

Peking, April 21, 1901. 

Your Excellency: On the 1st of April I received a communication from the 
foreign representatives submitting a list of officials in the provinces which they 
desired punished. In this list appears the name of Li Chao-chen, magistrate of 
the Wang-tu district, who is charged with having treated harshly certain British 
missionaries who were fleeing from the difficult position they were in. It is 
requested that this officer should be degraded and forever prohibited from holding 
any office or honor. 

Instructions were issued informing this officer of the charge, and I received in 
reply a joint petition from the taotai of Kou-pei and the prefect of Hsuan-hua in 
the following sense: " It appears that the said officer has been away from his post 
at Wang-tu for a period of three years. While holding office at Yu-chou there 
was a sudden rising of the " Boxer" bandits, and the principal leaders, Chia Chi 
and others — in all, seven persons— were arrested and decapitated. Full and ade- 
quate protection was afforded the missionaries at Hsi-ho Ying. The preacher, 
Tung Shou-i, even up to the present time, expresses his gratitude for what the 
magistrate had done. The magistrate was transferred as acting magistrate of the 
Hsuan-hua district. He treated the allied forces, comprising Germans, British, 
Italians, and Austrians, kindly, and looked after their wants in every respect. The 
native Christians of Hu-to Tien and the train band of Shen-ching Pao entertained 
suspicions which led to a feud, each of the parties using guns and cannon in the 
fray, which nearly resulted in a revolution. The magistrate went in person to the 
scene to explain and relieve the feelings of the combatants, which resulted in bring- 
ing about peace and quiet among them. The preacher Te Mou-chen stated that 
the magistrate had rendered very great assistance in managing the missionary 
cases of 13subprefectures, departments, and districts in the jurisdiction of Hsuan- 
hua. The preacher Hou Chen-hai said that he would gratefully remember the 
magistrate s great kindness. The above statements can be supported by proof. 
It is not right, in the case of the British missionaries being harshly treated in Wang- 
tu, when fleeing, that by mistake the officer holding the substantive appointment, 
but at the time was away from his post, should be falsely accused of doing an act 
committed by the officer who was acting as magistrate. It is proper to ask the for- 
eign representatives to investigate this matter and remove Mr. Li's name from the 
list of punishments." 

Having received the above petition, I beg to observe that there is evidently 
proof to support the statements made. It is a case of the accused being pointed 
out by mistake as committing an act of an acting officer, and it is right to request 
that his name te taken off the list of punishments. Further, inquiry should be 
made in regard to the harsh treatment of the fleeing missionaries— ascertaining 
the year, month, and day, so that the full official title of the acting officer (at 
Wang-tu) may be ascertained, and then he can be impeached to the Throne. 
This in order to show justice. 

I have the honor, therefore, to send your excellency a copy of the original peti- 
tions, which I will trouble you to thoroughly look into and favor me at your early 
convenience with a reply. 

[Inclosure 8.] 
Imperial decree issued on the 29th of April, 1901. 

Last year the " Boxer " bandits created a state of revolution in Pekin and vicin- 
ity, resulting in the loss of many lives. This excited suspicion in the minds of the 
people of various provinces, which led to repeated cases of destruction of mission 
property and the massacre of foreign missionaries and native Christians. 

We repeatedly issued our mandates ordering the authorities to see that satis- 
factory protection be accorded the missionaries, but the local officers failed to exert 
themselves in the proper discharge of their duties, and on that account disorder 



204 EEPOET OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 

and trouble prevailed. The offenders must, therefore, necessarily be punished in 
propotion to their crimes. 

Let Cheng Wen-chm (2) taotai, of Kuei-hua Ch'eng, in Shansi; Chou Chih-te 
(62), captain of the military garrison at Ch'ii Chou, in Chekiang; and Pai Ch'ang 
(1) , formerly magistrate at Yang Chu in Shansi, be decapitated without delay. In 
the case of Wen Hsing ( 38), magistrate of the Luan-p'ing district in Chihli, Li Hung- 
chang is hereby ordered to cause a thorough investigation to be made, and if it is 
true that he massacred missionaries let him also be decapitated without delay. Let 
the Prince of Talat (32) be deprived of his rank of nobility; his case is to be investi- 
gated and dealt with accordingly. The Prince of Alashan (30) and the Prince of the 
Khalkha (31) are hereby reprimanded. Yu Lu (39) , formerly viceroy of Chihli, and 
Ching Shan (75) , residentof Tibet, are posthumously degraded. Liu Shu-t'ang (63), 
governor of Chekiang, is hereby degraded and forever prohibited from holding any 
office or honors; he is to be sent to his native place. The provincial treasurer of 
Chekiang, Yung Chuan (64); the deputy military lieutenant-governorbf Mukden, 
Chin Ch'ang (51) ; the deputy military lieutenant-governor of Tsitsihar, Fen Hsiang 
(54) , and the military commander of Pa-yen Su-su, Nge Ying (56) , are hereby ban- 
ished to Turkestan to do hard labor. Yu Chun-ming (65), brigadier of Chu Chou 
in Chekiang; Pao Tsu-ling (61), taotai of Chu Chou in Chekiang: Lung Wen (58) 
taotai of the Heng, Yung, Ping, Kuei Intendency, in Honan; Hsu Chi-ju (3) , prefect 
of Fen Chou, in Shansi; Kuo Chi-shu (23), acting subprefect of Kuei-hua Cheng; 
Tsui Cheng-huan (14), prefect of Hsi Chou; Hsu Kuei-fen (4), prefect of Hsin 
Chou; Mao Shih-fu (18), assistant subprefect of Ho-lin Ko-'erh; Fan Ngen-Ch'ing 
(19), assistant subprefect of To-ko-to Ch'eng; Huang Ting-kuang (5), magis- 
trate of the Ho Ching district; Tseng Li-feng (9), magistrate of the Ta-ning dis- 
trict; Ch'in Chien-hu (17), magistrate of the Shou-yang district; Hu Te-hsiu (25), 
magistrate of the Hsiao-i district; Li Ming-ho (20), jail warden of the department 
of Ning-yuan, and Shih Feng-chi (7), military captain of the district of Tai-yuan, 
are hereby degraded and sentenced to perpetual banishment to Turkestan. 

Ch'ang Tsui (50), a vice-president of a board and head of the granary depart- 
ment; Wo-ko-chin-tai (55), deputy lieutenant-general of Hu Lan Ch'eng; Wang 
Lien-san (44), brigade-general of Ta Ming; Hung Shou-p'eng (43), assistant sub- 
prefect of Ching Chou; Miao Yu-ko (45), magistrate of Ta-ming; Chang Ping-che 
(41), magistrate of Yan Cheng district; Jung Ying (47), magistrate of the Nan-le 
district; Yin Chia-pin (77), acting brigade-general of Nan Yang, in Honan; Hung 
Ssu-liang (66). prefect of Ch'u Chou, in Chekiang; Tang Ssu-tze (82), assistant 
subprefect of Cheng Chou, in Honan; Yu Ch'ing (59), prefect of Heng Chou, in 
Hunan; Cheng Ping (60), magistrate of Ching Chuan district, Hunan; Kuei 
Cheng (22), military governor of Kuei-hua Ch'eng; Tao Chia-tsou (10), prefect of 
Tse Chou, Shansi; Pi Ch'eng (11), magistrate of Lu Cheng district, Shansi; Yu 
Tai-lin (12), magistrate of the K'ao-ping district, Shansi; Ngen Shun (13), magis- 
trate of Chang-tzu district, Shansi; T'u Nai-hsun (96), magistrate of Ngen dis- 
trict, Shantung; Chen Tse-lin (42), provincial judge of Kiangsi; Cheng Chia-yu 
(92), magistrate of the Nan-feng district, Kiangsi, and Chiang Pao-jen (93), 
magistrate of Nan-chang, Kiangsi, are hereby degraded and forever prohibited 
from holding any office or honors. 

Ts'en Ch'uan-fung (85), taotai of Ho-pei, Honan, is hereby degraded; Li Je-hsien 
(78), alias Li Cheng-ying, assistant district magistrate of Hsin-tien district, 
Honan, is hereby deprived of his rank and office. 

It is necessary to hold an investigation as to the offenses of the other officials, 
and also to ascertain their names; and on receiving reports from the viceroys and 
governors concerned, another decree will be issued in regard to the punishments 
to be inflicted on them. 

Note.— Numbers in brackets refer to list inclosed with foreign representatives, 
note of April 1, 1901. (W. W. R.) 



Chinese plenipotentiaries to Foreign representatives, 
[Inclosure 9a.— Translation.] 

Peking, May 2, 1901. 

Your Excellencies: On the 1st of May we received a telegram from the mem- 
bers of the Grand Council at Si-an in regard to the punishments proposed by the 
foreign representatives to be inflicted on the provincial officers, in which they 
point out those whose punishment should be reduced and made more lenient. 

(32) Prince of Talat. This is a prince of the Outer Mongols, and hitherto a 
prince of this order has never been incarcerated. His punishment should be 



KEPOKT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 205 

reduced to depriving him of his title of nobility, and his case be subject to an 
investigation and dealt with accordingly. 

(63) Liu Shu-tang, former governor of Chekiang. Under Chinese law, property 
is confiscated in cases of criminals stealing property and concealing it. The gov- 
ernor's case should be modified to punishment by degradation and forever pro- 
hibited from holding office; he should also be sent to his native place. 

In the cases of the former provincial judge of Chekiang. Yung Ch'uan (64), the 
deputy military lieutenant-governor of Mukden, Chin Chang (51 j, the deputy 
military lieutenant-governor of Hei lung chiang, Feng Hsiang (54) ; and the mil- 
itary commandant at Pa-yen-su-su, Nge Ying (56), it may be stated that their 
crimes do not come under the Chinese statutes of cases where forgiveness is not 
shown. The punishment "Forever forbidden from holding office" should be 
omitted in their cases. A decree has already appeared in regard to these cases. 
The foreign representatives, in asking punishment of Chinese officials, naturally 
can not desire that it should be in violation of the statutes of China. 

In the case of the acting prefect of Tai-yuan, Hsi Han-tu (27), the governor of 
Shansi, T'sen, reports that at the time Yu Hsien had planned the massacre of the 
missionaries, the said officer was at his own post as prefect of Lu-an. He had 
not at the time reached Tai-yuan as acting prefect, and did not assist in the mas- 
sacre. He should be acquitted, and an examination instituted as to who the 
Tai-yuan prefect was at the time and whether or not he took part in this cruel 
work. 

In the case of YangHung-li, brigade general of Ta-tung (26), it maybe observed 
that there were missionary cases in his jurisdiction, and due protection was not 
accorded. His punishment should be degradation, but allowed to retain office. 

In the case of Tseng Pei-chi (89), prefect of the Wei-hui prefecture, this officer 
duly protected the British and French missionaries and safely escorted them out- 
side of his jurisdiction. He had nothing to do with the murder of missionaries. 
He should be acquitted. 

In the case of Fu Feng-yang (?) , prefect of Nan-yang, this officer duly protected 
the missionary chapels, and acted in good earnest in the proper discharge of his 
duties. There is a record of the French missionary, An Si Man, and the British 
missionary, Kung Hai-i, having sent a note to the prefect thanking him for the 
services he had rendered them. He did not maltreat the missionaries in any way 
and should be acquitted. 

In the cases of Chen Shih-wei (90), magistrate of the Wu-an district; Shih K'eng 
(88), magistrate of the An-yang district; Ch'e Chun (87), magistrate of the She 
district; Lu Yueh-ching (86), magistrate of the Hua district, it may be observed 
that these officers have all paid the missionaries the amounts of their losses and 
have arranged with Bishop Scarella a settlement of the cases. The bishop has 
reported the matter to the French minister asking that the matter be dropped. 
No decree has, therefore, been issued in regard to the above eight officers. 

We ask that your highness and your excellency lay before the foreign represent- 
atives the reasons here given for a reduction in the form of punishments and for 
acquittal, and to say that the Emperor has no intention whatever of screening 
these officers. His Majesty's wish is that the punishment inflicted be as the crime 
merits; that is all. 

Excepting the case of the Chien-chang taotai (71), whose punishment has been 
reduced, as requested by the foreign representatives in a previous communication, 
to degradation but a'lowed to retain office, the others must await a report from 
the various provinces, and if there be any cases in which the circumstances vary 
from those given, then they can be subject to further consideration and action 
taken accordingly. In the case of the Wang-tu magistrate. Li Chao-chen (49), as 
he was really away from his post at the time, it has been agreed that he should 
be acquitted. 

As in duty bound, we send your excellencies the above telegram from Si An for 
your consideration. 






[Inclosure 9b.— Translation.] 

Chinese plenipotentiaries to Foreign representatives. 

Peking, May 2, 1901. 
Your Excellencies: On the 1st of May we received a telegram from the Grand 
Council at Si-an, stating that in regard to the punishment proposed for the offi- 
cials in connection with the missionary cases in the province of Kiang si. the gov- 
ernor of that province has now reported that, with the exception of the cases of 
Cheng Chia-yu and Weng Pao-jen, which have been disposed of by decree, there 



206 EEPOET OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 

are the cases of the former acting taotai of the Nan, Kang, Ming, intendentcy, 
T'u Chun men, and the brigade general of Kang Nan Chen, Ho Ming-Hang. It 
appears that last year they issued proclamations protecting the missionaries, and 
that the missionaries and converts did not charge them with refusing to put out 
the viceroy's proclamation or refuse to dispatch soldiers to maintain order. The 
request is made that either nothing further be done in their cases or that they be 
treated leniently. In the case of the prefect of Chi-an, Hsu Tao-pei, it appears 
that he was removed from office a long time ago. There is no absolute proof that 
he permitted the literati to attack the missionary establishments. This officer has 
been instructed to go to Chi-an and act with the present incumbent of office, 
arrest the criminals, and arrange to pay the claim of the missionaries. In the case 
of Jen Yu-shen, magistrate of the Fou-liang district, in which a missionary chapel 
at the village of Ching-te was destroyed, it may be observed that this officer has 
already been removed from office. It was not his purpose, however, not to protect 
the mission property. In the case of Wei Chu-kuei, acting magistrate of the 
Shang-kao district, it may be stated that there is no proof on record of the burn- 
ing or looting of missionary property in that jurisdiction. There are, however, 
many cases of litigation there pending between the people and Christians. Again, 
the prefect of Lin-chiang is not named Shih; but the magistrate of Ching-chiang 
district in this prefecture is named Shih Shou-chen. The missionaries recently 
sent a note stating that there were a good many cases at law there pending between 
the people and non-Christians, and in consequence a deputy has been sent there to 
investigate them. As to the other cases in which missionaries have been subjected 
to trouble in various districts, it may be stated that Chang Wen-Ian and other lit- 
erati—in all, 15 persons— have been deprived of rank and office. 

Again, the governor of Honan has reported as follows: Yu Kuang-ming (80?), 
magistrate of the Ho-wei district in Honan, deputed soldiers to escort missionaries 
out of the province. There is proof of this on record. Lien Kuei (81 ) , magistrate 
of the Jung-tse district, is dead. As to Lin Teng-keng (83), magistrate of the dis- 
trict of Hsi-hua, this officer dispatched official police to escort and protect the 
missionaries. There is a record of this. In the case of Wang T'an (84) , assistant 
subprefect of Chou-chia-kou, on the missionaries reaching his jurisdiction he 
deputed official police to escort and protect them, and when there was trouble the 
rioters were suppressed and dispersed. There is a record of this. The Ho-pei 
missionary case is settled, and the request is made that it be not further considered. 

In regard to the above officers, it is requested that a dispatch be addressed to the 
foreign representatives asking that they consider the circumstances of each case 
and in accord therewith either modify the punishment demanded or acquit the 
accused as the case may be. On receipt of reports re the other officers, a telegram 
will be sent to your highness and your excellency to await the action of the 
Throne. 

As in duty bound, we send the above for your excellencies' information. 



[Inclosure 10.— Translation.] 

Chinese plenipotentiaries to M. de Cologan. 

Peking, May 13, 1901, 
Your Excellency: Some time ago we had the honor to receive a communica- 
tion from the foreign representatives inclosing two lists, one giving the names of 
officials in the provinces who should be punished, and the other giving the names 
of officials whose conduct should be subject to an investigation. A decree was issued 
punishing certain officials, and we duly communicated to your excellency at vari- 
ous times the circumstances reported in regard to the cases in the provinces of 
Kiang-si and Ho-nan. 

We have now received a telegram from the grand council at Si- an, stating that 
a report has been received from the viceroy of Szechuan in regard to the various 
officers in their connection with missionary cases. 

The taotai of Chien-chang, Wang Li-yen (71) ; the prefect of Hsu Chou, Wen Yuan; 
the prefect of Ya Chou, Li Nien-tze (74) , and the former acting prefect of Ya Chou, 
Wang Chih-tung (73) , ordinarily issued particular orders to their subordinate offi- 
cers to protect the missionaries in their several jurisdictions, and their work in this 
respect was done in good earnest. Wang Li-yen, in particular, exerted himself in 
this direction. But his jurisdiction covered a vast territory; the minds of the 
people were aroused, and in some instances unexpected trouble happened in certain 



REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 207 

districts, which could not be helped, in spite of the instructions issued; but the 
taotai did not purposely tolerate or allow it with his consent. There are extenu- 
ating circumstances in this case. It is right that the question of diminishing the 
punishment of the taotai of Chien-chang, Wang Li-yen, and the former and present 
prefects of Ya Chou, Wang Chih-tung, and Li Nien-tze should be considered. It 
is therefore proposed to alter it to degradation with retention in office. In the 
case of Wen Yuan, prefect of Hsu Chou, it is proposed to transfer him to another 
post. In the original memorial to the Throne the name of this officer is given as 
Wen Kuei; this was a mistake. 

In the cases of the former acting magistrate of the Department of Tsung-ching, 
ChenChao-tang; the acting magistrate of Chung-ning, ChenTing-hsun; the former 
magistrate of Nan-kuo district, Yuan Yung-pin, and the acting magistrate of the 
Ta-tsu district, Chao Sui-chih, after the missionary troubles occurred these offi 
cers exerted themselves in protecting the missionaries and acted energetically in 
effecting the arrest of the rioters. Although some of the native Christians were 
injured, no harm was done to the missionaries themselves. Excepting Chen Chao- 
tang, who has been removed from office and left the province, it is decided that 
the others— Chen Ting hsun. Yuan Yung-pin, and Chao Sui-chih— should also be 
removed from office and to leave the province. 

As to the former acting magistrate of Chiung Chou, Li Chang-pei; the former 
acting magistrate of Kuan district, Wang Hu; the former acting magistrate of 
Wen Chiang district, Chou Ching-jen; the acting magistrate of I Pin district, 
Wang Tien-chia; the former acting magistrate of the Shuang Liu district, Kung 
Pao-lang; the acting magistrate of the Pi district, Huang Shu-hsun, and the acting 
magistrate of Ming Shan district, Lu Ting-chih, 1 there is absolute proof that they 
did not allow the bandits to insult the Christians: but in managing the mission- 
ary cases these officers were either punctillious and obstinate or they merely looked 
on and dillydallied, They are all to be degraded, but retained in office. These 
officers have been severely punished — more severe than the circumstances warrant. 
We (the grand council) beg that you will communicate the above to the foreign 
representatives, clearly explaining this and asking them to agree to the decision 
arrived at. We would also observe that all above officers are in the list of officers 
whose offenses should be subject to investigation, as their cases had not originally 
been looked into. We hope that the foreign representatives will lose no time in 
settling this matter and not be too hard in the way of punishment. 

We have also received from the Mongolian Superintendency a dispatch stating 
that on the 3d of May the following decree, issued on the 29th of April, was 
received by it from the Grand Secretariat: 

"Last year the Boxer banditti created a state of revolution in Peking and 
vicinity, resulting in the loss of many lives; this excited suspicion in the minds of 
men of various provinces, which led to repeated cases of the destruction of mis- 
sion property and the massacre of foreign missionaries and native Christians. We 
repeatedly issued our mandates ordering the authorities to see that satisfactory 
protection be accorded them, but the local officers failed to exert themselves in the 
proper discharge of their duties, and on that account disorder and trouble pre- 
vailed. The offenders must therefore necessarily be punished in accordance with 
their respective crimes. Let the Prince of Talatbe deprived of his title of nobility, 
his case investigated, and action taken in the premises. The Prince of Alashan and 
the Prince of the Khalkha are hereby reprimanded." 

On investigation it appears that the Prince of Alashan-Dzassak is named Tolo- 
tessuleng, and his pasturages are near Ning-hsia and in the jurisdiction of Ning- 
hsia. It is right to address the military governor of Ning-hsia, to have him rep- 
rimanded in accordance with the terms of the Imperial decree. We have looked 
over the records of the Inner and Outer Mongols, of their banners and names and 
styles of the princes, but can not find any Prince of Talat or Prince of Chung Khal- 
kha. In order to carry out the terms of the decree, it is necessary to ascertain 
where their pasturages are, whether they are princes of the first or second rank, 
their residences, and the jurisdiction they are under. There are many difficulties 
in translating Mongol names into Chinese, but to translate the vulgar tongue 
into Chinese is still more perplexing. 

We have the honor, therefore, to address your excellency this communication, 
and beg that you will confer with your colleagues and agree to the punishments 
decided upon in the cases of the Szechuan officials, and ascertain the banners and 
names of the above-mentioned Mongolian princes, and favor us with a reply. 



1 Most of the above names are on the list of suspected persons whose cases were 
to be inquired into by the Chinese authorities. This list is not published — 
W.W. R. 



208 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 

[Inclosure 11.— Translation.] 
Foreign Representatives to the Chinese Plenipotentiaries, 

Peking, May 17, 1901. 

Highness, Excellency: In reply to the demands for punishments which we 
made you on the 4th and 22d April for the officials responsible for the crimes com- 
mitted in the provinces, you informed us by your dispatches of the 27th April 
and 2d May of the punishments which you had inflicted on these criminals. 

We have noted that among these punishments did not figure that of suspensive 
death, which we had demanded for the following officials: The prefect of Fen 
Chou Fu (No. 3); the prefect of Hsin Chou (No. 4); the assistant subprefects of 
Ho-lin-ko-ehr (No. 18); and of To-ko-to Ch'eng (No. 19); the keeper of the board 
of punishments of Ning-yuan (No. 20); the subprefect of Kuei-hua Ch'eng (No. 
23); the ex-subprefect of Wu-i (No. 41); the military lieutenant-governor of 
Mukden (No. 51); the military official Ao (No. 56); the taotai of Heng Chou Fu 
(No. 58); the taotai of Ch'ii Chou Fu (No. 61). 

Furthermore, you have modified the demands of punishments which we had 
made in our letter of April 4 for the exgovernor of Chekiang, Liu Shu-tang (No. 
63), and the treasurer of the same province, Yung Ch'uan (No. 64). 

We deem it necessary to insist on our first demands, as well in the cases of the 
officials for whom we have thought it necessary to demand the penalty of suspen- 
sive death as for the two latter. 

Your highness and your excellency remarked in connection with some of these 
punishments that they were incompatible with Chinese law. This is an argu- 
ment which we can not take into consideration. Our preoccupation has been to 
repress with moderation and justice crimes against the law of nations, against the 
laws of humanity, and against civilization, crimes which, being without prece- 
dent, had not been foreseen by Chinese law. 

We consequently request you to solicit from the Throne a supplementary decree 
in conformity with our reclamation. 

(Signed by all the representatives of the powers except by that of Russia.) 



Mr. Hay to Mr. Rockhill. 

No. 20.] Department of State, 

Washington, April 11, 1901. 
Sir : Referring to my telegraphic instructions to you of this date in 
regard to the revision of the commercial treaties with China, * * * 
I have to inclose for your information copy of a report on this subject 
by Mr. John A. Kasson, special commissioner plenipotentiary, dated 
March 2, 1901, with the accompanying communications. 
I am, sir, etc., 

John Hay. 

[Inclosure 1, with dispatch No. 30.] 

Report on questions relating to Chinese taxation, indemnity, and proposed conven- 
tional provisions. 

The Secretary of State: 

Upon reference by the Secretary, the undersigned has examined the following 
papers: 

1. Letter of A. E. Hippisley to the Secretary of State, November 23, 1900, with 
extracts from his address before Johns Hopkins University. 

2. Letter of same to same, January 3, 1901, with accompanying translation of 
memorandum submitted by him to Li Chung-Tang, suggesting certain financial 
arrangements in re indemnity. 

3. Letter of same to same, dated January 5, 1901. 

4. Letter from American Asiatic Association (John Foord, secretary) to same, 
January 25, 1901, with accompanying memorandum touching the revision of com- 
mercial treaties with China. 



REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 209 

I have also sought further information in our consular reports from China, 
among which I note the following: 

1. Jernigan (Shanghai), December, 1896, Commercial Relations, 1895-96, page 796. 

2. Report on Japanese Treaty, December, 1896, Commercial Relations, page 791. 

3. Fowler (Cheefoo), No. 192, September, 1896. 

4. Smithers (Chung King), Commercial Relations, 1898, volume 1, page 1023. 

5. British Consular Report accompanying the foregoing, page 1033. 

6. Gracie (Fuchau), Commercial Relations. 1898, page 1039. 

7. I have also examined the conventions which have been made by the United 
States with China. 

The incompleteness and uncertainty of all our information in respect to the 
economic system prevailing in China, and the unreliability of all the statistics of 
the revenues of China, except that collected under European officers, render it 
impossible for the investigator abroad to arrive at any satisfactory conclusion in 
respect to the financial policy to be pursued with the object of providing indem- 
nities. 

It is alleged on all sides that collections of revenue by Chinese officials are dis- 
honestly conducted, are largely appropriated to private uses, and that a minor 
fraction of these collections reach the official treasury to which they are destined. 
This is alleged to be true in respect alike to the collections for the Imperial and 
for the provisional treasuries. The total revenue received by the Imperial Gov- 
ernment is approximately ascertained. The actual amount collected from the 
various sources of revenue is conjectural, with the exception of that derived from 
the customs duties. The following appear to be the principal sources of taxation: 

1. Land tax, in kind, commuted to money payment. 

2. Land tax, in kind, for Pekin use. 

3. Customs collected under European control. 

4. Salt duty. 

5. Native customs. 

6. Likin. 

Of the foregoing taxes it is ascertained that a large part of the first (land tax) is 
absorbed by peculation, and that if honestly collected and paid over the aggregate 
proceeds would be much more than double. But the attempt to put this revenue 
throughout the vast interior of China under European control would encounter 
such obstacles and popular opposition as to render it impracticable. 

The fourth (salt duty) is already so high as to induce much smuggling, and 
being an article of necessity ought not to be increased. 

The fifth (native customs) yields a small amount of revenue, and foreign inter- 
vention therein is not advisable. 

The sixth (likin) appears by unanimous testimony to be locally variable, often 
repeated, and the most obnoxious tax of all which affect imported goods, and is 
the most burdensome of all upon foreign commerce, both inward and outward, 
and ought to be wholly abolished, certainly upon imports, and if possible on the 
exports of China. 

The third (customs under foreign control) is the only item in the list in respect 
to which changes can be made with a safe calculation of results in the amount of 
revenue to be derived from an increase of rates. 

It is possible that the likin (transit tax) on goods for export coming from the 
interior might, like the likin on imported goods, be commuted at an agreed rate, 
and collected under European supervision at the port of destination. If this can 
be done, the result would be a large increase in revenue from this source, with a 
diminished burden on the goods. As an alternative it might possibly be stipu- 
lated that likin should be collected only once in each province of China, the 
amount to be definitely limited. 

As provincial governments must have some source of revenue, the Imperial 
Government should be at liberty to set aside for provincial use from the proceeds 
of these likin taxes, if commuted, at least so much in amount as is now derived 
therefrom by the provincial treasuries. This would conciliate the viceroys and 
might remove their objections to the exterior collection of this revenue, while 
avoiding local expenses and peculations. 

It appears that the paying stations for likin are not limited, but may be increased 
in number, and the total assessments vary largely in different provinces of China. 
There is also a "perfectural " duty (fu-shui) in some provinces, which is reported 
as " a great incubus on trade." There is, besides, a regular export duty of 5 per 
cent in conformity with treaties, and it seems that this may (like the regular 
import duty) be in effect indefinitely increased by the likin on exports. There is 
further reported an additional customs duty collected by native authorities on 

S. Doc. 67 14 



210 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 

goods passing from one port to another, called a coast-trade duty, which is said 
to be assessed on both imports and exports. 

It also appears from the note of the American Asiatic Association that the Chi- 
nese have further applied a kind of octroi, called tso-ku, and a sort of destina- 
tion duty, called tso li, since the likin tax was commuted to a fixed percentage. 

Against all these varying and vexatious exactions outside the regular duties, 
provision should be made by the proposed treaty, in order to give security to inter- 
national commerce. 

It is also extremely desirable to abolish likin charges on exports, but as their 
incidence is upon native products, the question of their abolition, or of a commu- 
tation of them by a fixed per cent ad valorem, to be paid in such manner as to be 
agreeable to the interests of the Chinese treasury, must be deferred to the negotia- 
tors of the new commercial arrangements. It is plainly for the interest of Chinese 
production and export that some beneficial change should be made in the present 
system. 

CONCLUSIONS. 

First. 1 concur in the opinion expressed by the writers of the communications 
above referred to, that the total indemnities to be paid by China, both on personal 
and on national claims, should be so graded as not to exceed in the aggregate 
$200,000,000. A larger amount would threaten bankruptcy of the Imperial treasury, 
or so weaken the provincial treasuries as to provoke discontent and disorder in the 
districts where it is of the highest importance to foreign commercial interests to 
promote peace and prosperity. 

Nor should it be forgotten that looting and destruction of property in China by 
foreign troops should be taken into account in adjusting claims for indemnity, if 
indemnity be considered a part of the punishment imposed on China. 

But aside from this point of view, excessive indemnity would depreciate largely 
the value of the existing obligations of China now held abroad, and would dimin- 
ish the value of the new obligations to be issued by China. On the contrary, if 
the indemnities now to be established are plainly within her ability to pay, the 
value of her securities, both old and new, will be maintained. 

It should be especially remembered that full indemnity to foreign governments 
is far less important to them than is the progressive improvement of their trade 
with China. Future adequate security for commerce, inward and outward, and 
for the persons who conduct it, is of far greater advantage to the United States, 
to Russia, England, and Germany, than are a few millions, more or less, paid now 
into their treasuries. The latter is a temporary advantage, the former a perma- 
nent investment which, wisely managed, will be followed by increasing returns 
with unlimited gains to their respective peoples. 

This view increases in importance in the ratio of Chinese prosperity. Let the 
treaty arrangements assuredly promote this prosperity, with secure opening of the 
country to foreign trade, and other compensation to foreign governments might 
properly be scaled down to unquestionably moderate figures to the advantage of all 
countries concerned. 

Second. Assuming that the indemnity will be restrained within a reasonable 
limit, consistent with Chinese resources, it seems practicable to obtain the income 
required to defray the annual charges by an increase of the customs duties, aided 
by a commutation of the likin charges (inward and outward), such commutation 
to be collected under foreign supervision, and paid in some defined proportion into 
the Imperial treasury. 

It appears to be the better opinion that the duties on imports must be raised at 
least to 15 per cent ad valorem in lieu of the present rate. The calculations must, 
of course, be based on the amount of the indemnity, now unknown. Assuming 
this not to exceed 200,000,000, and further assuming that the powers will accept 
the bonds of China instead of compelling her to sell these bonds to raise the indem- 
nity money in open market with a further loss of capital, then it seems reasonable 
to believe that China might provide for the annual interest and sinking fund out 
of the proceeds of the augmented customs receipts, reenforced as proposed by com- 
mutation of likin taxes, a definite proportion thereof to be retained by the Imperial 
treasury. 

Under no circumstances should it be forgotten that the main purpose of an adjust- 
ment is to leave China in condition to produce profitably and to buy in exchange 
for her production. If she is impoverished or reduced to misery it means destruc- 
tion to the growing market for which the powers are now competing. Such pun- 
ishment will fall on the commercial nations equally with China. 



REPORT 05 COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 211 

Third. Instead of the continued occupation or proposed destruction of the 
. Chinese fortifications on the Peiho River, which latter more represents temporary- 
vengeance for the past than rational security for the future, it seems to me a 
wiser policy for the allies to disarm the forts and to reserve the right to reoccupy 
them in cases of disorder endangering foreign rights or in case of future violation 
by China of the provisions of the treaties, and to stipulate their nonoccupation by 
the Chinese without the consent of the powers until the indemnity is fully dis- 
charged. In this way the irritation caused by the perpetual presence of foreign 
military sovereignty in Chinese territory would be avoided and an additional 
motive supplied for the faithful observance of the treaty. 

Fourth. It is desirable (if such an agreement by the allies shall be possible) to 
provide that China shall not herealter grant to nor place under the jurisdiction of 
any foreign government any portion of her territory without the consent of all the 
signatories to the present treaty. 

Fifth. In respect to likin, a treaty provision of the following purport is suggested: 

That in consideration of the increased customs duties which in conformity with 
this convention China is at liberty to impose upon the foreign products imported, 
and in further consideration of the adjustment herein made in respect to the 
transit tax < likin) , it is agreed on the part of China that no other transit tax (likin) 
and no octroi tax (tso-ku, loti-shui), destination tax (tso-li), or other tax or 
charge, for any purpose, in any form, or under any name, shall be levied or col- 
lected on the imported goods which shall have paid the stipulated conventional 
duties and charges: but the same shall be exempt from all other charges, national, 
provincial, or local, in all parts of the Chinese Empire. A certificate of such pay- 
ment shall be issued by the collector of the same, in duplicate, one copy to be 
retained by the importer and one copy to accompany the shipment of the goods to 
their destination in the Empire. 

(If likin on exports is also adjusted, like provision to be made applicable to them. ) 

Sixth. As far as the United States is concerned, it is important to anticipate the 
efforts of other nations to secure exclusive advantages for their allegiants, their 
shipping, or their commerce by agreeing with China on a strongly worded most- 
favored nation clause. The following is suggested for consideration: 

That whatever privilege, exemption, benefit, or advantage is already or may 
hereafter be conceded by China to the official representatives or to the merchants, 
subjects, or citizens of any other country, in respect of their persons, property, 
rights, or occupations, shall be at the same time extended to the like official repre- 
sentatives, merchants, and citizens of the United States; that the lowest rates of 
duty or other charges imposed on personal property or articles of international 
commerce of any foreign national origin shall be immediately applicable to 
the like articles of United States origin: and no other or higher duties, charges, 
burdens, or restrictions of any kind shall be imposed on the exports of the United 
States than those imposed on the exports of the most favored nation. All privi- 
leges, rights, exemptions, and benefits now or hereafter accorded by China to the 
vessels of any other foreign nation or to their cargoes or officers and crews shall 
be equally enjoyed by those of the United States. It is fully understood by both 
high contracting parties that the United States, the citizens thereof, and their 
property and personal rights and privileges in China shall continue to be treated 
on the most favorable terms conceded by China to any foreign nation or people. 

Seventh. In view of the state of war which has actually existed between the 
allies and China, and in order to obtain security against a possible claim that 
under international law existing treaties were annulled by the war, it seems 
expedient to make a new treaty between the United States and China, which shall 
provide for the payment of the indemnity to the United States as adjusted, and 
shall at the same time declare that all provisions of the conventions between the 
two countries which were in force on the 1st day of January, A. D. 1900 are 
continued in full force and effect, except so f ax as modified by the present conven- 
tion or by other conventions to which the United States is a party. 

The most-favored-nation article would naturally find a place in this suggested 
treaty. 

With the limited information at my command the foregoing embraces all the 
opinions and suggestions which I feel sufficient assurance to express. They are 
submitted with entire deference to the criticism of those who. like the British con- 
troller of customs in China, have an intimate acquaintance with local conditions, 
which must to a great extent control foreign official action. 

Respectfully submitted. 

John A. Kasson, 
Special Commissioner Plenipotentiary, 

March 2. 1901. 



212 REPOBT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 

[Inclosure 2.— Instructions No. 20.] 

Mr. Hippesley to Mr. Hay. 

Grafton Hotel, Connecticut Avenue, 

November 23, 1900. 
My Dear Sir: At the invitation of the president of the Johns Hopkins University 
I last week delivered an address on the revenue system of China before that insti- 
tution. The question of the amount of indemnity to be exacted from China is 
now actively occupying the attention of the plenipotentiaries in Peking; and as I 
foresee that the insistence on a sum beyond China's capabilities will jeopardize 
both the independence of that country and the future good relations of the 
western powers among themselves. I venture to send you that portion of my 
address which dealt with this question, in the hope that the presentation of the 
actual facts and figures by one who has been occupied with them for many years 
may help to confining the demands within moderate and feasible limits. 
I remain, etc., 

Alfred E. Hippesley. 



[Inclosure with Hippesley letter.] 
Extract from address to Johns Hopkins University. 

The Chinese Government publishes, indeed frames, no national budget. Each 
autumn, however, the board of revenues in Peking, as head of the financial administra- 
tion of the Empire, draws up a statement of the requirements of the metropolitan 
administration and of the contributions to be made toward them by the several prov- 
inces. The expenses of the provincial administration are defrayed mainly from the 
land tax and likin; and from what remains of them, from the salt gabelle, native 
customs, and the bulk of the foreign customs revenue, those of the imperial house- 
hold, the metropolitan administration, the defense of the northern provinces by land 
and by sea, the Fuchou Arsenal, etc., are defrayed. From steady reading of the 
Peking Gazette, which is a collection of such official documents as the privy council 
sees fit to make public and which from time to time contains reports (more or less 
fragmentary) from viceroys and governors on all these subjects, an approximate esti- 
mate may be formed of China's revenue, which may be stated thus: 

Taels. 

Land tax, levy in kind commuted to money payment. . . 20, 000, 000 $14, 160, 000 

Land tax in kind for Pekin use 6, 000, 000 4, 250, 000 

Likin on merchandise, net : 15, 500, 000 10, 930, 000 

Salt duty and likin 12, 000, 000 8, 500, 000 

Native customs 3, 000, 000 2, 125, 000 

Customs under foreign inspectors, net ( 1899 ) 23, 500, 000 16, 695, 000 

Miscellaneous 5, 000, 000 3, 540, 000 

Total 85, 000, 000 60, 200, 000 

Prior to 1895 the public debt of China amounted to only some $9,250,000. In 
that year, however, hostilities broke out between Japan and China, the exigencies 
of which forced the Nan-Yang Ta-ch'en to borrow, with imperial sanction, some 
$25,000,000, while the final treaty of peace imposed on China payment of an indem- 
nity of taels 230,000,000, or at the rate of exchange agreed upon of £27,615,000 
($138,075,000) . Owing to China's impaired credit and flotation expenses, she had to 
borrow a nominal total of $239,100,000 to pay this idemnity; and to cover interest 
and sinking fund on all these loans China has to provide annually — 

From date to 1915, 23,000,000 to 24,500,000 taels $16, 285, 000 to $17, 400, 000 

From 1916 to 1931, 17,500,000 taels 12, 345, 000 

For 1932, 12,000,000 taels 8, 500, 000 

From 1935 to 1942, 5,500,000 taels 3, 850, 000 

It is now stated that China will be required to pay as indemnity for the destruc- 
tion of life and property during the recent disturbances and for cost of foreign mili- 
tary expeditions a sum not less than $200,000,000 nor more than $600,000,000. It is 
quite impossible for her to pay even the lower sum. To pay $138,075,000 it was 
necessary for China, when her maritime customs revenue was practically untouched, 
to incur an indebtedness of $239,100,000. Now, when that revenue is mortgaged up 



EEPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 213 

to the hilt, it would cost her at least $275,000,000 to raise $200,000,000 in the open 
market; and that is the only source from which she should attempt to produce 
funds, for loans granted or guaranteed by one or more foreign governments would 
inevitably result in constant interference in the administration of the Empire, and 
therefore in weakening the power and prestige of the Government, and thus tend to 
promote unrest and eventually disintegration. To provide interest on and sinking 
fund for such a loan, an annuaf charge of at least $25,000,000 would be required. How 
could this be obtained? China's revenue has been reduced by her present indebt- 
edness from over $60,000,000 to some $43,000,000, and, as the documents in the Pekin 
Gazette show, the metropolitan and provincial administrations are one and all in 
the greatest straits and are reduced to pitiful expedients to avoid bankruptcy. To 
place a further charge of $25,000,000 on the revenue would produce immediate 
default; the foreign powers, as guarantors, would foreclose, and China's independ- 
ence would be a thing of the past. 

Is it, then, possible to institute new or increase old taxes to provide funds? That to 
institute new taxes to pay indemnities to foreign powers is the surest method to 
create and perpetuate general antiforeign feeling is a self-evident proposition. As 
regards old taxes, the land tax is moderate in amount, but it has remained so long 
at its present rate that an increase, for no matter what reason, would create general 
discontent and probably forcible opposition; to allow it to be published that such 
an increase was made on the demand and for the benefit of foreigners would be the 
height of folly. That the salt gabelle is a grievous burden on a necessary article of 
claily food is proved by the universal smuggling of salt that exists. To increase the 
tax would be most unwise, and to change the method of collection would be impolitic, 
if not dangerous, because the system is so complicated that no person can tell what 
the effect of any change would be. Likin is already the most grievous burden on the 
trade and prosperity of the Empire. Effort should therefore be directed toward its 
abolition, not its increase. The foreign customs: It is scarcely probable that the 
foreign powers would consent to an increase in the treaty tariff, i. e. , in the taxation 
of their own goods, merely to supply funds from which indemnities would be paid 
to themselves. As regards native customs, it would undoubtedly be a step in the 
right direction to place these under the control of the commissioners of foreign or 
maritime customs at the treaty ports, and some increase in this amount would no 
doubt result, but it could not be sufficient to bear the burden of so large a loan. 

The leakage under the existing system of collection is admittedly so great that it 
has been suggested that were an international financial board substituted for that 
system it would be possible to enormously increase the collection without adding to 
the present levies. The objections to such a proposal are, however, serious; for 
putting aside the international jealousies and intrigues which would inevitably result 
in China as they have in Egypt from such a system, either the authority of that 
board would be ignored, or, to enforce it in remote districts of the interior, such con- 
stant interference in the provincial administrations would be rendered necessary that 
the independence of China, which all the foreign powers declare themselves anxious 
to maintain, would vanish and the control of the Empire virtually pass into foreign 
hands. The only course would, then, seem to be for the powers to recognize that their 
treatment of China during late years is, as it undoubtedly has been, one of the chief 
contributing causes of the recent outbreak, and to therefore forego pecuniary indem- 
nity for lives and the expenses of the relief corps, confining such indemnity to property 
destroyed alone, and to content themselves with insisting on the adequate punishment 
of the high officials who actively or passively have been responsible for the atrocities 
committed as the most likely means of preventing the recurrence of such outrages in 
the future. Any other course will, I firmly believe, result in calamities beyond all 
compare greater than any which have yet happened. 



[Inclosurp 3, with instruction No. 20.] 
Mr. Hippesley to Mr. Hay. 

New York, January 3, 1901. 

Dear Mr. Hay: I send you inclosed the English version of a memorandum I have 
forwarded to his excellency Li Chung-tang, regarding the financial arrangements I 
would suggest in the coming negotiations with China, in the hope that after consid- 
eration the proposal contained in it may commend itself to your approval. 

I feel strongly that if foreign nations desire a permanent solution of the Chinese 
difficulty, which, by removing causes of friction, will tend to promote sympathy and 



214 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 

intercourse between China and the West, they must abandon the policy followed in 
the past of regarding only what appear to be their own personal interests in the 
terms they nominally negotiate, but practically dictate, and must stop to consider 
what the effect of those stipulations will be on China. Can she give effect to them? 
Will they be advantageous to her? This of course means the lengthening out of 
negotiations, because where government is as decentralized as it is in China and the 
viceroys are rather coordinate than subordinate authorities, it means that these latter 
must be consulted as to the exigencies of provincial administration and a modus 
operandi arranged with them. But the time will be well spent if thereby future 
difficulties are avoided and the appearance of diction removed. For the same reason 
I should be glad to see provision for the introduction of reforms substituted for the 
clauses requiring the destruction of the Taku forts and prohibiting the importation 
of arms — clauses which render China helpless to resist aggression from without or 
attacks of rebels within her borders. 

Opposition on the part of the Chinese to the abolition of likin may be anticipated, 
perhaps, because of the numerous staffs now employed in the collection who would 
be thrown out of employment. But it has to be remembered that the Chinese com- 
mission on tariff revision itself proposed only a few months ago the abolition of that 
tax on all foreign goods; so that the present proposal is rather merely another step 
forward than a new and radical change. It may, too, be objected that even if China 
consents to the abolition she can not be relied on to keep her engagements. There 
is, I believe, no sufficient ground for such an apprehension; for in the case of the 
exemption of all internal taxation on foreign opium, in return for the simultaneous* 
collection of duty and likin by the foreign customs, China has abundantly shown her 
willingness and ability to give full effect to conventions that have really been nego- 
tiated with her after consultation with the provincial authorities chiefly affected by 
those conventions. 

Finally, four times the tariff rate on exports may prove too high a tax in the case 
of low-priced articles, such as skins or of others, which have to compete on a narrow 
margin of profit with the products of other countries; but China may, I think, be 
trusted to, in such cases, herself grant reductions. In any case, especially to cover the 
case of tea, values of which have considerably declined since the tariff was framed in 
1800, it might be stipulated that the duties as now fixed shall in no case exceed 20 
per cent. 

I am, etc., Alfred E. Hippesley. 



[Inclosure with second Hippesley letter.] 
Settlement of difficulties in China — Suggested financial arrangements. 

It has been officially stated in the German Reichstag that among the proposals 
advanced by the foreign ministers in Peking with a view to the settlement of the 
recent outbreak in China, and to preventing a recurrence thereof in the future, is 
one dealing with a revision of taxation on merchandise. There can be no doubt 
that revision is eminently desirable, but to be effective and advantageous it must be 
such as will, on the one hand, further the stability of the Chinese Government, and r 
on the other, avoid so far as possible the imposition of new burdens on trade, internal 
and external alike. How can this best be achieved? 

That likin is a grievous burden on the trade and prosperity of the Empire is admit- 
ted by all, whether Chinese or foreigners. Instituted in the early fifties to provide 
funds for the operations necessary to effect the suppression of the Taiping rebels, it 
was then described as an indispensable tax for the time being, and to be abrogated as 
soon as peace was restored. It has continued indispensable ever since; and its aboli- 
tion now, when the treasuries, both metropolitan and provincial, have been already 
reduced to the lowest ebb by the service of the loans required to pay off the Japanese 
war indemnity, is out of the question, unless means are found to make good from 
other sources the funds now derived from likin. Yet, because it is such a burden, 
every effort should be devoted toward effecting the abolition of it. And this would 
be effected if the foreign powers will consent to the tariff duties being quadrupled, 
and to the abolition of the duty-free privileges, except for bullion and for articles 
imported for the importer's personal use and not for sale, granted by supplementary 
rule 2 appended to the tariff, on the condition that China abolishes likin and lo-ti- 
shui, and to secure uniformity. 

When this rule was framed in 1860 there were but few foreign merchants estab- 
lished in China, and it was considered but fair that articles imported by them for 
household and office use should be admitted duty free. In the intervening forty 



REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 215 

years conditions have altogether changed, and many of those articles are now used 
in large quantities by the Chinese. Thus it results that the Chinese Government is 
debarred from raising any revenue from the large quantities of flour, wines, spirits, 
tobacco, underclothing, etc., brought into China not for the importer's personal use, 
but for general sale. This is unjust. The wise course would be to abrogate the entire 
clause. But if that is considered open to objection, all that foreign nations can fairly 
ask is that what an individual imports for his own use be excepted of treatment by 
all offices — transfers the native customs establishments at the treaty ports to the 
control of the foreign or maritime customs. To secure this consent, it is necessary to 
satisfy the powers that such a rearrangement of the taxes will not only be beneficial 
to China, but impose no serious additional burden on foreign trade. I believe that 
not only can this be proved, but that the proposal would actually benefit trade, alike 
foreign and native. It is therefore proposed to consider the results of the adoption 
of this proposal as affecting (a) foreign trade, (b) native trade, and (c) the Chinese 
Government. 

(a) Foreign trade. — The name likin indicates that originally it was intended to 
represent a tax of only 1 per million ad valorem. If it ever represented so moderate 
a levy it has long ceased to do so, and in some cases, as reference to the tariffs will 
show, a single levy now amounts to as much as 18 per cent, while liability to likin in 
one province is not exhausted until two and one-half levies have been made, and pay- 
ment in one province does not grant exemption in the next; crossing the frontier 
renews the liability afresh. What is the average percentage of value thus levied on 
merchandise in transit in any one province it is impossible to say. But I know from 
personal experience, while commissioner of customs at Shanghai, that native mer- 
chants were willing to pay three and one-half times the tariff rate, or about 17| per 
cent, in order to secure transit pass privileges — i. e., exemption from inland taxes 
and comparatively speedy examination at the tax stations passed — for some of the less 
highly taxed products of the province (Kiangsu) in which Shanghai is situated. 
Those products therefore would pay 22£ per cent before export abroad, and 25 per 
cent if sent to another treaty port in China — i. e., taxes in either case higher than 
the total now proposed, about 20 per cent; and naturally the payment of this per- 
centage constituted an advantage over payment of inland taxes, or merchants would 
not have desired the introduction of such an arrangement. 

It will no doubt be objected that the transit privileges already enjoyed under the 
treaty of Tientsin, whereby foreign goods may be sent to any inland mart or native 
goods purchased by foreign merchants for export abroad may be brought down to any 
treaty port free of taxes en route on payment of half-tariff duty of 2\ per cent only, 
are far more favorable than the proposal now submitted. To answer this objection 
satisfactorily attention must be invited to the following considerations: 

First. Stipulations which the central government may be compelled by force 
majeure to accept may have the effect of depriving the provincial administrations of 
funds indispensable to the maintenance of their government. This has been the 
case in the matter of these transit privileges. And when that is so it stands to rea- 
son that the provincial governor must be reduced to the position either of being 
unable to maintain his administration or of rendering nugatory the stipulations which 
deprive his exchequer of the funds necessary to the government of his province. 
Either course will bring him into collision with the central government, but the lat- 
ter course is so far the less serious from a national point of view that he naturally 
adopts it, The result is to place the central government on the horns of a dilemma — 
either it must compel compliance with stipulations, the carrying out of which may 
ruin the province, or it must acquiesce in, and if needs be defend, the infraction of 
an engagement it has itself entered into. This state of affairs naturally results in 
loss of prestige and power to the Government, in charges being brought against it of 
bad faith, and in constant disputes with foreign powers, as the history of foreign inter- 
course with China during the past years clearly demonstrates has been the case. 
And this lamentable state of things will continue so long as foreign nations, looking 
only to their own self-interest and ignorant or unmindful of the consequences of their 
demands, insist on China's agreeing to what it is practically impossible for her to 
carry out. 

Second. These transit privileges do not touch the question of lo-ti-shui, or local 
octroi, and past experience shows that the tendency (for the reasons given above) has 
been to nullify these privileges by requiring goods covered by transit pass to pay on 
arrival at the specified destination a differential tax amounting practically to the total 
of the taxes escaped en route to the province. Is it not then the part of wise states- 
manship to abandon trying to insist on the impossible, and instead to agree to terms 
which will put a not too onerous tax on trade and will remove one of the chief causes 
of constant friction and bickering? 



216 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 

In a word, so far as foreign trade is concerned, I believe this proposal will remove 
one of the chief causes of discussion between foreign nations and China, and will tend 
rather to lighten than to increase the taxation now levied on the merchandise that 
constitutes foreign trade. 

(b) Native trade. — Every removal of a tax produces a corresponding reduction in 
the laying-down cost of commodities. It thus acts as a stimulus to trade, and increases 
the strength of the Government by calling forth the gratitude of the people toward 
it for action directly tending to promote its well-being. That the free interchange of 
products throughout the Empire would largely develop general prosperity, lower 
prices, and promote consumption, there can be no doubt. Thus the Government 
would be strengthened, the people enriched, and foreign trade benefited. 

(c) Chinese Government. — The collection reported by the various provinces on account 
of likin and lo-ti-shui amounts to a maximum sum of taels 16,000,000 annually. It 
is proposed, in order to win the support of viceroys and governors to the scheme, to 
allot to each province from the Chinese collection the full amount reported, together 
with an allowance in addition of 25 per cent, or 20,000,000 taels in all. The proposal 
would then work out as follows : 

Taels. 

The foreign customs revenue for 1899 amounted to 1 26, 660, 000 

From this must be deducted opium already subject to special taxation 
which produced 7, 540, 000 

19, 210, 000 
Further, tonnage dues would not be affected by this arrangement; they 
must therefore be deducted 640, 000 

18, 570, 000 
Lastly, transit dues and reimport duties would no longer be leviable; 

deducting these 2, 000, 000 

There remains 16, 570, 000 

If the treaty tariff be quadrupled, the collection would amount to 66, 280, 000 

Add opium duty and likin as at present 7, 450, 000 

Add native customs transferred to foreign inspectorate 10, 000, 000 

Total 83, 730, 000 

Deduct cost of collection, say 4, 730, 000 

Net.. 79,000,000 

This compares with present receipts approximately thus: 

Taels. 

Foreign customs, net 23, 500, 000 

Likin and lo-ti-shui 15, 500, 000 

Native customs 5, 000, 000 

44, 000, 000 
An approximate increase of 35, 000, 000 

The disbursements to be provided for under present conditions are: 

For service of loans now existing 23, 500, 000 

To pay provincial treasuries amount of likin and lo-ti-shui, with allow- 
ance of 25 per cent increase 20, 000, 000 

43, 500, 000 

Leaving a balance for Government purposes of 35, 500, 000 

If, as it is rumored, foreign nations exact an indemnity of $200,000,000 gold, an 
annual sum of at least 24,000,000 taels will be required for the service of the neces- 
sary loans; but 11,500,000 (some £1,875,000) would thus remain to meet the needs 
of the Government. To exact an indemnity of $200,000,000 gold, without assenting 
to the proposed plan would plunge the Empire into bankruptcy; to exact more, 
even if that plan be assented to, would render the introduction of necessary reforms 
in the administration impossible, even if the Empire were not reduced to penury. 
To adopt this scheme and confine the indemnity to, at the most, $200,000,000 gold, 
would, I feel confident, strengthen the Government, impose no increased taxation 



REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 217 

■on foreign trade, remove all difficulties as to navigation of inland waterways, eradi- 
cate most of the causes of friction with foreign powers, and facilitate internal com 
merce — not unimportant steps toward peaceful and satisfactory relations with this 
great Empire. 

Alfred E. Hippesley. 
December 22, 1900. 



Tlnclosure 4, with instruction 20.1 

American Asiatic Association, 

New York, January 25, 1901. 
The President of the United States. 

Sir: In compliance with the request made by you to a delegation of this association 
which had the honor of waiting on you on the 3d instant, the executive committee 
desires me to transmit to you the inclosed memorandum in regard to the revision of 
the commercial clauses of the treaties with China. 

I have the honor to be, yours, respectfully, John Foord, 

Secretary. 



Memorandum on the revision of the commercial treaty with China. 

The American Asiatic Association, recognizing the fianancial necessities of the 
Chinese Empire, has no objection to offer to the proposed increase of duties on foreign 
imports. The suggestion which, according to Sir Robert Hart, was formulated last 
spring by the special commission appointed to consider the subject of tariff revision, 
is deemed a reasonable one. This was to the effect that the import duty should be 
fixed at 10 per cent plus 5 per cent transit due, payable simultaneously, coupled with 
the total abolition of all other taxes on such imports forever after and everywhere. 
In other words, it is proposed to double the present customs duty on foreign imports, 
and with it to double the sum charged for transit dues. Assuming that this is all 
that is intended, and that no attempt will be made, by changing the present method 
of fixing the ad valorem duties, to subject foreign trade to more than twice the pres- 
ent import rates, the association can see no objection to the acceptance of such a basis 
of tariff agreement. The suggestion seems to offer all the more satisfactory a solu- 
tion of the vexed question of inland taxation, since it was only agreed to after con- 
sultation with the provisional authorities, and since it was to be accompanied by a 
stipulation that the General Government was to arrange for the equitable division of 
the amount so realized between the central and the provisional treasuries. 

In approving of such a plan this association is not unmindful of the fact that the 
inland transportation tax collected under the name of likin has been from the first 
a most objectionable impost, was devised to meet special conditions of financial 
necessity, and has been continued in defiance of promises that when the finances of 
the country had recovered their normal condition the likin should be abolished. 
But the most serious grievance has been that the agreement in regard to the pay- 
ment of likin on imports bears a totally different meaning to the Chinese authorities 
and to the foreign merchants. In the convention between the United States and 
China for the regulation of trade, concluded November 8, 1858, the undertaking as 
to likin seems to be expressed with sufficient clearness. It is as follows, the lan- 
guage being identical with that of the agreement concluded between Great Britain 
and China: 

"Merchandise shall be cleared of its transit dues under the following regulations: 

' ' In the case of imports. Notice being given at the port of entry from which the 
imports are to be forwarded inland of the nature and the quantity of goods, the 
ship from which they have been landed, and the place inland to which they are 
bound, with all other necessary particulars, the collector of customs shall, on due 
inspection made and on receipt of the transit duty due, issue a transit-duty certifi- 
cate. This must be produced at every barrier station and vised. No further duty 
shall be leviable upon imports so certified, no matter how distant the place of their 
destination." 

The association is fully aware of the fact that the British Board of Trade, when 
John Bright was its president, approved of an interpretation of this rule calculated 
to deprive it of most of its value to the foreign merchant, Even as modified by the 
then minister of foreign affairs, Lord Clarendon, in February, 1870, this interpreta- 
tion was made to read as follows: 

"The fair construction which ought, in the opinion of Her Majesty's Government, 
to be placed on these provisions is that foreign produce may be imported on payment 
of 5 per cent, and circulated in equal competition with similar Chinese products at 



218 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 

the port and its vicinity, and may be placed at any specified place in the interior,, 
also for the purpose of equal competition with such Chinese produce, on payment of 
a transit duty of 2£ per cent in addition to the import duty. It can not, they think, 
be legally contended that there is anything to prevent the Chinese from charging 
whatever general municipal taxes are leviable on Chinese goods at the port or in the 
interior equally on foreign goods when once they enter into general circulation and 
consumption." 

The likin stipulation has been applied by the Chinese authorities ever since in 
this highly elastic sense to the great detriment of the closely related interests of both 
American and British trade. It w T as admitted by Lord Granville, in 1883, that the 
British interpretation has never been recognized by the representatives in China of 
the Great European powers or the United States, and further, that under other 
treaties, notably those of France and Germany, it is held that imports which have 
paid a transit due in addition to an import duty are thenceforth free from all taxa- 
tion whatever. 

The difficulty experienced in the past in making a definite and thoroughly bind- 
ing bargain with the Chinese Government on the subject of internal taxation must 
be held to demand the exercise of extreme care on the part of the negotiators of the 
revised treaties. It has been a constant struggle, attended only with partial success, 
to compel respect for the validity of transit passes en route; but even when this was 
accorded, persistent efforts have been made by provincial authorities to indemnify 
themselves by imposing likin, under another name, at either end of the journey. 
I?i southern China, notably, the greatest ingenuity has been shown in subjecting 
foreign goods to various forms of local taxation. Among these are tso ku (octroi) 
and loti likin, or tso-li, a kind of destination duty, both calculated to enable the- 
provincial authorities to collect an amount sufficient to reimburse them for the- 
levies they have been obliged to abandon during the transit of the goods. 

In any new bargain with China in regard to the taxation of foreign merchandise,, 
strenuous objection ought to be made to the employment of the tax-farming system, 
under which foreign trade may be made to yield a revenue quite as much for the 
profit of individuals as for that of the Government. It is a matter of record that 
in 1891-92, when the Kowloon and Lappa stations took over the collection of likin 
on kerosene oil previously farmed out they in six months collected, at the farmer's 
rates, about 75 per cent more than he would have paid into the treasury in twelve 
months as the price of his monopoly. Not only is the farm system hostile to all 
treaty agreements, but, as Mr. J. W. Jamieson has pointed out, it is always open for 
the holder of the monopoly to trade on his own account and thus be able to undersell 
all competitors. At the root of the whole question is the difficulty of providing for 
provincial necessities without having recourse to the levy of exactions on foreign 
trade not contemplated in the treaties. It must therefore be obvious that any bar- 
gain with the Central Government which has not had the approval of the great vice- 
roys must be difficult if not impossible of enforcement. This fact has evidently 
been recognized by the commission, of which Sir Robert Hart is a member, and will 
no doubt be given due weight by the negotiators appointed by the powers. 

This association approves of the policy indicated by the commission on tariff 
revision of retaining the 5 per cent rate on exports. Cumbrous as the method 
seems, it is probable that the only practical way to free exports from cumulative tax- 
ation is to do away with the right to bring produce from the interior under transit 
passes, coupled with an undertaking to refund to the exporter at the time of export 
to a foreign country whatever amounts he had paid on such produce over and above 
a half tariff rate between the place of purchase and the port of export. In any case, 
it seems a suicidal policy for China to subject goods intended for export to any but 
the lightest possible taxation, and it should not be difficult to convince its negotiators 
that the country's growth in wealth must be largely dependent on the encourage- 
ment given to the expansion of its foreign trade. 

The fact that the permission given to the steamers, native or foreign, to navigate 
the inland waters of China has been, so far as foreign flags are concerned, a practi- 
cally barren one, is mainly due to the power for obstruction possessed by the likin 
officials. It seems probable that until the collection of both native and maritime 
customs, as well as all transit taxes, is placed under one hand the utilization of either 
the grand canal or the great rivers for local steam navigation must be indefinitely 
postponed. At every point of the discussion of improved conditions for foreign com- 
merce in China there is encountered the dominant question of a reform of the whole 
fiscal administration of the Empire. Into this larger subject this association has not 
felt called on to enter, believing that the future fiscal system of China must be con- 
trolled by considerations which, while vitally important to commerce, can not be 
regarded as purely commercial either in character or origin. 

John Fooed, Secretary. 

Januaey 25, 1901. 



EEPOET OF COMMISSIONEE TO CHINA 21$ 

Mr. Hill to Mr. Rockhill. 

No. 30.] Department of State, 

Washington, July W, 1901. 
Sir: I have to acknowledge the receipt of your dispatch No. 107, of 
the 5th ultimo, containing a report on the punishment of the Chinese 
provincial officials and others guilty of crimes against foreigners during 
the troubles of last year. 

The dispatch and its inclosures have been read with much gratifica- 
tion. 

Your action in carrying out the President's instructions to oppose 
the shedding of any more blood, and which resulted in limiting the 
capital sentences to four persons, and in the reduction of the punish- 
ment of others, is approved by the Department. 
I am, sir, etc. , 

David J. Hill, 
Acting Secretary.. 



Mr. Rockhill to Mr. Hay. 

No. 109.] Commissioner of the United States to China, 

Peking, June 6, 1901. 

Sir: For convenience of reference 1 inclose herewith copies of all 
the correspondence down to the present date exchanged between the 
representatives of the powers and the Chinese plenipotentiaries in 
reference to the suspension for five years of official examinations in all 
towns in which foreigners were massacred or cruelty treated during 
last year's troubles. 

The only serious obstacle in the way of a complete settlement of this 
question is the British minister's refusal to agree to allow the metro- 
politan examinations to be held and candidates from provinces in which 
no antiforeign trouble occurred to come up for them. 

1 hope the British Government will finally agree with the other 
powers that to allow these last-mentioned examinations within the 
limitation mentioned is advisable and just. 

I have the honor, etc., W. W. Rockhill. 



[Inclosure. — Translation.] 
Mr. de Cologan to the Chinese Plenipotentiaries. 

Peking, May 29, 1901. 

Highness and Excellency: Carrying out the terms of the conditions contained in 
the Joint Note of December 22, 1900, which was accepted by His Majesty the Emperor 
of China, the representatives of the powers have drawn up a list of the cities in which, 
foreigners having been massacred or been subjected to cruel treatment, in accordance 
with Article II, paragraph b, all official examinations shall be suspended for five 
years. 

I have the honor to transmit to you herewith this document and to request you, in 
the name of my colleagues, to be pleased to ask His Majesty the Emperor of China 
to issue an Imperial decree suspending all official examinations during five years in 
the towns mentioned in the list, and in which foreigners were massacred or were 
subjected to cruel treatment. 

I avail myself, etc., B. J. de Cologan. 



220 REPOET OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 

List of places where examinations are to be suspended. 

Province of Shansi: Tai Yuan Fu, Hsin Chou, Tai Ku Hsien, Ta Tung Fu, Fen 
Chou Fu, Hsiao I Hsien, C'hu Wo Hsien, Ta Ning Hsien, Ho Ching Hsien, Yueh 
Yang Hsien, Shuo Ping Fu, Wen Shui Hsien, Shou Yang Hsien, Ping Yang Hsien, 
Chang-Tzu Hsien, Kao Ping Hsien, Tse Chou Fu, Hsi Chou, P'u Hsien, Chiang 
Chou, Ping Yao Hsien, Lu Cheng Hsien, Lu An Hsien, Hung Tung Hsien, Kuei Hua 
Cheng, Sui Yuan Cheng. 

Province of Honan: Nan Yang Fu, Ho Nei Hsien, Chang Chou, Kuang Chou, 
Chen Chou Fu, Chun Hsien, Nei Huang Hsien, Chang Te Fu, Tai K'ang Hsien, 
Hsiang Cheng Hsien, Si Hua Hsien. 

Province of Chekiang: Chii Chou. 

Province of Chihli: Pao Ting Fu, Yung Ching Hsien, Tientsin Fu, Shun Te Fu, 
Wang Tu Hsien, Huai Lu Hsien, Hsin An Hsien, Tung Chou, Kalgan, Chao Yang 
Hsien, Tung An Hsien, Tsang Chou, Tsun Hua Chou, Chi Chou, Wu I Hsien, Ching 
Chou, Luan Ping Hsien, Ho Chien Fu. 

Province of Shantung: Tai An Fu, Lin Ching Chou. 

Eastern Manchurian provinces: Moukden, Chia Tzu Chang, Lien Shan, Tzu Ching 
Chieh, Pei Lin Tzu, Hu Lan Cheng. 

Province of Shensi: Ning Chiang Chou. 

Province Kiangsi: Po Yang Hsien. 

Province of Hunan: Heng Chou Fu, Ching Chuan Hsien. 

Shun T'ien Fu (Peking) . 



[Inclosure 2.— Translation.] 
Chinese Plenipotentiaries to Mr. de Cologan. 

Peking, April 2, 1901. 

Your Excellency: On the 11th day of the 2d Moon of the 27th year of Kuang 
Hsu (30th of March, 1901) we received from your excellency a dispatch (dated 
March 29) in which you say that "to carry out the conditions of the Joint Note of 
the 22d of December, 1900, which was accepted by His Majesty the Emperor of 
'China, the foreign representatives have drawn up a list of the towns in which, in con- 
formity with Article II, paragraph b, foreigners having been massacred or subjected 
to cruel treatment, all official examinations shall be suspended for five years. ' ' Your 
excellency transmits this list with the request, in the name of your colleagues, that 
His Majesty the Emperor of China, be asked to publish an Imperial decree suspend- 
ing all official examinations for five years in the towns indicated in this list, in 
which foreigners have been massacred or have been subjected to cruel treatment. 

The suspension of civil and military examinations is a condition provided for by 
the last paragraph of Article II of the peace protocol drawn up ]ast year, and the 
said article stipulates that the suspension during five years of the civil and military 
examinations would only apply to the towns in which people of various countries 
have been massacred or have been subjected to cruel treatment. 

We stated in our memorandum of the 11th Moon of last year (January, 1901) 
"that the cities and towns in each prefecture, subprefecture, department, and dis- 
trict are very numerous. It will be necessary to ascertain in what cities and towns 
foreigners have been massacred or been subjected to cruel treatment, when of course 
action as laid down will be taken. This provision evidently applies to the Sui and 
Ko examinations. As regards the provincial and metropolitan examinations, these 
are collective examinations for each province. Should there be in a province cities or 
towns where foreigners have been massacred or subjected to cruel treatment, separate 
enquiry, as above mentioned, ought to be made and action taken accordingly. In 
other cities and towns, not in any way implicated, examinations ought to take place 
as usual. Such a course of procedure will serve as an exhortation and warning." 
The representatives of the powers are already fully aware of this. 

Notwithstanding this, in the list drawn up of localities in which examinations shall 
be suspended, the designations have been made by prefectures and districts, and not 
by towns, and this is a noteworthy amplification of the original text of the last para- 
graph of Article II. If, for example, in a district there happens to be a town in which 
foreigners have been massacred or have been subjected to cruel treatment, the sus- 
pension of examinations should apply at that town alone, and it would not be proper 
to exclude from the examinations candidates throughout the entire district. 



REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 221 

As regards prefectures, such territorial divisions comprise a number of districts, one 
remote from the other. In such cases it would be even more impossible to apply the 
suspension of examinations to a whole prefecture, because this measure is applicable 
to a town situated within it. Such a mode of procedure would not be logical. If it 
is alleged that examinations begin with the prefectures and districts, and that there 
are no special examinations for towns of inferior rank, and for that reason it was only- 
possible to speak of prefectures and districts, such would not be the language of one 
who was thoroughly conversant with the true condition of things; for when the pre- 
fectural examinations, as well as the district examinations, take place, the students 
of the towns in which examinations have been suspended would not be authorized to 
have themselves entered for them. All others, however, should take part in these 
examinations as in ordinary times. The distinction is easily made. 

If because in a certain town evil doers have brought about disorders, it would 
result, if the above plan was followed, that peaceful and honest people living in the 
other cities would all have to be subject to the suspension of examinations for several 
years, in which case the sense of the phrase in the memorandum "as encourage- 
ment and warning" would be distorted and simply be a warning to evil doers and 
no encouragement to the law-abiding people. Would such a mode of procedure be 
equitable and likely to produce a good impression on the population? 

We are therefore naturally led to ask the plenipotentiaries of the powers to have 
drawn up a detailed list giving the towns, and not a general designation by prefec- 
tures and districts, in which foreigners have been massacred or have been subjected 
to cruel treatment. This will be in conformity with the text of article II, and will 
place us in a position to ask for an edict stating the localities in which examinations 
should be suspended. 

Such is the official reply which we send you, Monsieur le Doyen, requesting you 
to bring it before the plenipotentiaries of the powers so that they can act accordingly. 

[Inclosure 3.— Translation.] 
Mr. de Cologan to the Chinese plenipotentiaries. 

Peking, April 5, 1901. 

Highness and Excellency: I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of your 
dispatch of 2d of April, replying to the demand which the plenipotentiaries of the 
powers sent you concerning the execution of Paragraph B of article II of the Joint 
Note accepted by His Majesty the Emperor of China. 

You seem to believe that my colleagues have given to the application of the meas- 
ure on the principle of which they reached an agreement with you an extension 
which it does not comport. You invoke in this regard a paragraph of memorandum 
of the 16th of January in which you formulated observations on the conditions which 
were imposed on you. 

I must call your attention, in the first place, to the fact that the terms of this memo- 
randum have never been accepted by the plenipotentiaries of the powers, who have, 
on the contrary, reserved to themselves to pursue the integral carrying out of the- 
articles of the Joint Note. 

I may add as concerns the particular question which is the object of this dispatch 
that you misapprehend entirely the intentions which inspired the drafting of the 
paragraph concerning the suppression of examinations in the towns in which foreign- 
ers have been massacred or have been subjected to cruel treatments. The object of 
this article was to insure, by means to which the Empire has itself sometimes had 
recourse, the prevention of crimes committed with the assistance and most frequently 
at the instigation of the literati class. This object would not be attained if the plan 
which you suggest were accepted, because it would permit the literati to evade the 
penalty which the representatives of the powers have sought to inflict on them, 
and to preserve by fraud or by eluding the application of the intended measure the 
right of which it is intended to deprive them. 

My colleagues have consequently decided to insist on the necessity of granting 
them the satisfaction which they have demanded, and which could only be rendered 
more stringent if they entered, as you ask them, into a detailed examination of the 
cities in which the examinations should be suspended, because they would be led,, 
without a doubt, to extend this measure to whole provinces. 
I avail myself, etc., 

B. J. de Cologan. 



.222 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 

[Inclosure 4.— Translation.] 

Chinese plenipotentiaries to M. de Cologan. 

Peking, May 4, 1901. 

Youk Excellency : On the 2d of May we received from the Grand Council at Si-an 
a telegram stating that the governor of Hunan had wired that by the terms of the 
Joint Note there shall be a suspension of all official examinations for five years in all 
the towns where foreigners have been massacred. It appears that in the matter of 
the missionary cases in Wei Yang and Ch'ing Chuan, in the Hunan Province, these 
were the result of trouble brought about by rebels and not the literati, and naturally 
the order of suspension should not apply there. The trouble only occurred in the 
towns of Huang-sha-han and Chiang-tzu-k'ou, in the jurisdiction of the above- 
named districts. Even if the examinations were to be suspended, it should only be 
done at the two towns mentioned where the trouble occurred. The suspension of 
examinations merely refers to places where the Boxers created trouble last year. 
This rule should not apply to missionary cases that occurred in other places. If the 
examinations must be suspended, it would seem necessary to clearly state that the 
suspension shall apply to the two towns where the trouble occurred, and not involve 
the whole province. This is important, for the sake of justice and fairness. 

Having received the above we would beg to observe that in the matter of the sus- 
pension of examinations, correspondence on the subject has passed between the for- 
eign representatives and ourselves, but nothing has been definitely settled. We 
would embrace the opportunity, however, of again expounding our views in a clear 
and minute way. 

The suspension of examinations for the period of five years refers to the people 
living in places where disturbances have occurred — the result of the Boxer move- 
ment — who can not compete during that time; it has no reference to places where 
disturbances occurred (not the result of the Boxer movement). Take, for instance, 
Peking, where last year a revolution took place resulting in loss of life to foreigners of 
all nationalities. The native scholars resident in the capital are punished by the 
examinations not being open to them, which is perfectly right and proper. But 
Peking is the capital of China, and the ' ' Chii-jen ' ' of the various provinces come here 
to enter the metropolitan examinations. Then, as to the examinations for the sec- 
ond degree in the Shiin-t'ien prefecture, we may add that these are open to senior 
licentiates and students of the imperial academy of the southern, northern, and cen- 
tral provinces. This examination is not confined alone to students of the metropoli- 
tan prefecture. If the metropolitan examinations for the third degree and the metro- 
politan prefecture examinations for the second degree are to be suspended, then in that 
case the students of all the provinces will not be able to compete for the above degrees, 
and as the result of the disturbances in many cities and towns the scholars of the 
Empire would all thus be cut off from entering the official carrier. Besides, it is the 
illiterate vagabonds who cause trouble, and by such a mode of procedure the peace- 
able, law-abiding scholars would in like maner be implicated with them. Would 
this be strictly in accordance with justice? Foreign missionaries are a class asso- 
ciated with the scholars of China, and if the examinations at Pekin are suspended to 
scholars this would create a feeling of enmity which would not be befitting. 

We therefore ask that the examinations be suspended only to persons resident in 
the places where it is right they should be prohibited, but not to those living in said 
cities or towns (where disturbances occurred). The examinations of an entire pre- 
fecture or district should not be suspended — a discrimination should be made. The 
suspension of examinations for five years should apply to places where the Boxers 
created trouble last year; other places should not be affected by this ruling. 

In sending this communication to your excellency, we beg that you will confer 
with your colleagues on this subject and favor us with a reply, in order that a memo- 
rial may be sent to the throne asking the issuance of a decree in reference to the 
places contained in the list forwarded to us some time ago re suspension of exami- 
nations. 



[Inclosure 5.— Translation.] 

Mr, de Cologan to the Chinese plenipotentiaries. 

Peking, May 11, 1901. 
Highness and Excellency: You asked me in a dispatch, under date 4th of May, 
to communicate to my colleagues a telegram from the grand council concerning the 
towns in which examinations were to be suspended during a period of five years, in 
compliance with article 11 of the Joint Note. 



REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 223 

You explain in this connection that according to your opinion the suspension of 
examinations should consist "in the interdiction for the residents of localities in 
which troubles have occurred to present themselves at the examinations during a 
period of five years, and not in the interdiction during five years to allow examina- 
tions in localities in which troubles occurred." It is on the contrary this last inter- 
pretation which is the correct one. To convince you of this, it is sufficient to con- 
sider the text Paragraph B of article II of the Joint Note accepted by His Majesty 
the Emperor of China. This paragraph is worded as follows: 

"Suspension of all official examinations during five years in all the towns in which 
foreigners have been massacred or subjected to cruel treatments." 

You observe, as confirming your explanations, that at Peking in particular the sup- 
pression of examinations would work a hardship on people from all the provinces 
who may not have taken part in the troubles of last year, and you add that those 
guilty of the disorders were ignorant people and ruffians. You show yourself thus 
most severe on the princess and high officials whom you have already recognized as 
responsible for the crimes to which you refer. We entertain grave doubt whether 
the criminals can be considered as ignorant, though we do not contest that they 
behaved like ruffians. 

Speaking in a general way, it has been, on the contrary, the literati who have 
always been and who were, particularly last year, the real authors or accomplices of 
the antiforeign movement, and the Chinese people can only be held responsible, as 
it were, for having been dragged into the movement. 

The representatives of the powers insist, therefore, on the demands which they 
have made on you, and which are entirely in conformity with article 11 of the note 
which you have accepted. 

I avail myself, etc. B. J. de Cologan. 



[Inclosure 6.— Translation.] 
Chinese plenipotentiary to Mr. de Cologan. 

Peking, May 19, 1901. 

Your Excellency: On the 13th instant we had the honor to receive a communi- 
cation (dated March 11), in reply from your excellency in regard to the matter of 
the suspension of examinations for a period of five years. Your excellency states 
that the real purpose is that the examinations should be suspended for that period at 
places where disturbances took place. The foreign representatives must, in accord- 
ance with the terms of article II of the Joint Note, still adhere to their original 
views, etc. 

In reply, we may observe that the suspension of the examinations for five years 
to persons in places where disturbances occurred is a most complete way of exposing 
them to undergo punishment in public. Since the foreign representatives are acting 
in accordance with the terms 6i article II of the Joint Note, having relation to the 
suspension of examinations, we may state that we agree to the suspension at the 
places named in the list, in accordance with the terms of your excellency's note; 
hence there is no need for further discussion on that point by us. 

We may point out, however, that there are extreme difficulties to overcome as 
regards the metropolitan examinations at Peking, the examinations for the second 
degree held in the metropolitan prefecture. These are collective examinations for the 
scholars of all the provinces and can only be held at Peking. If these examinations 
are not to be allowed, then, on account of trouble caused by persons in, say, one or 
two provinces, the scholars of twenty-two and more provinces will suffer by their 
suspension. Really this means the examinations for the whole of China, and would 
not seem to be fair and just, The provincial examinations in Shansi are held, 
according to law, at Tai-yuan Fu. It is estimated that in the troubles in Shansi, tak- 
ing the departments and" districts of the whole province where foreigners were mas- 
sacred, that only one-fourth of the province is concerned. If the examinations are 
to be suspended at Tai-yuan Fu, then that would mean the suspension of the pro- 
vincial examinations for the whole province, and if no provincial examinations are 
held, then the students will have no way of competing at the metropolitan examina- 
tions. Suspension should be at the places where trouble occurred and not every 
place. It would be no easy matter to be reconciled to this method of procedure. 
We believe it is not by any means certain that the views of the foreign representa- 
tives are not with us in this matter. Therefore the metropolitan examinations at 
Peking, and the provincial examinations at Shun-tien Fu and Tai-yuan Fu should be 
carried on as heretofore, and not suspended for five years. 



224 EEPOET OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 

Further, it appears that in Ho Chien and Tsang Chou, in Chihli, no massacre of 
foreigners took place. The missionaries know this to be the case. Examinations at 
these places should not be suspended. 

We had already prepared a memorandum on the above subject, but we did not 
send it to your excellency. We therefore send this communication to your excel- 
lency and will thank you to confer with your colleagues on the subject here presented 
and favor us with a reply at an early date. 



II 



[Inclosure 7. — Translation.] 
Mr. de Cologan to the Chinese plenipotentiaries, 

Peking, May 28, 1901. 

Highness and Excellency: In reply to your dispatch of 19th of May concerning 
the examinations, I am requested by my colleagues to inform you that they insist on 
their demand concerning the suspension of provincial examinations at Tai-yuan Fu 
and at Shun-tien Fu. They reserve to themselves to study later on the question 
of the metropolitan examinations. 

As to your observations concerning Tsang Chou, the diplomatic corps has recog- 
nized that they are well founded, and consents to strike this locality off the list. 

It has also requested me to transmit to you a list of localities in which, for the same 
reasons, there is no occasion to suspend examinations. 

Regarding Ho-chien Fu, the diplomatic corps will secure information, of which I 
will communicate later on to you the result. 

In reply to another communication of your highness and your excellency under 
date the 25th of May, I hasten to inform you that the locality in the province of 
Shensi, which had been designated under the name Ping-yang Hsien, is in realty 
Ping-yuan Fu. 

I avail myself of this opportunity, etc., 

B. J. de Cologan. 



Mr. Hill to Mr. EockUll. 

No. 29.] Department of State, 

Washington, July W, 1901. 
Sir: I have to acknowledge the receipt of your dispatch No. 109, of 
the 6th ultimo, inclosing a copy of all the correspondence down to that 
date exchanged between the representatives of the powers and the 
Chinese plenipotentiaries in reference to the suspension for five years 
of official examinations in all towns in which foreigners were massacred 
or cruelly treated during last year's troubles. 

Your action in the matter is approved by the Department. 
I am, sir, etc. , 

David J. Hill, 
Acting Secretary. 

Mr. Rockhill to Mr. Hay. 

No. 110.] Commissioner of the United States to China, 

Peking, China, June 8, 1901. 
Sir: I have to honor to transmit herewith for your information a 
list of the indemnities asked until the 1st of July, 1901, prepared by 
the committee on the payment of indemnities. The letter of Mr. 
von Mumm accompanying it states that it is the opinion of said com- 
mittee that the total, which is provisionally given as haikwan taels 
462,538,116.22, will not, when adjusted, exceed 450,000,000 of taels.. 
I am, etc. , 

W. W. Rockhill. 



EEPOET OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 



225 



[In closure.— Translation.] 
Mr. A. von Mumm to the Representatives of the powers. 

Peking, May 28, 1901. 

Gentlemen and Dear Colleagues: In compliance with the proposal made by 
his excellency the minister of Kussia, in the forty-seventh meeting, the commission 
on indemnities has been directed to draw up a list of the indemnities asked until 
the 1st of July, calculated in haikwan taels at the rate of April 1, 1901. 

As president of said commission, I have the honor to communicate herewith the 
desired list, begging my honorable colleagues to be pleased to indicate any errors 
which may occur in it. 

The rate on the first of April, 1901, was, according to information derived from 
the Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation : 

Haikwan taels. 

lmark 0.3773 

1 krone 2782 

1 dollar 1.3629 

1 franc 2645 

1 pound sterling. 6. 6783 

lyen 7105 

1 ruble 7082 

The demands of Spain and the Netherlands having been submitted in haikwan 
taels, it was not necessary for the commission to figure either the rate of the peseta 
or that of the Dutch florin. 

Since, according to unofficial information, the sum of 4,000,000 taels figures on the 
lists of two legations, and since the claims of societies and private individuals in the 
case of most of the legations are put down without any count being taken of probable 
or even certain reductions, the commission on indemnities is of opinion that the sum 
of 450,000,000 haikwan taels will not be exceeded up to the first of July of the present 
year. 

Please accept, etc., 

A. von Mumm. 



Country. 



Germany 



Gouverne- 
mental. 



Private claims. 



Haikwan taels. 



Together. 



Haikwan taels. 



1255,600,000.00 27 ) 7 5,843.00 l { ^ 705' 843 00 



Austria-Hungary . . i 
Begium j 



'14,240,000.00 



20,800.00!- 



Spain 

United States. 



France 



Great Britain. 
Italy 

Japan 

Netherlands.. 



4 31,000,000.001 

175,000.00/ 

if 26i44 >0 90.00 

5120, 000. 00! \ 38,592.22 

8110,000.00 1 

925,000,000.00! , 



,958,720.00 
20,000.00 

,199,500.00 
124,250.00 
284,000.00 

125,373.00 
262, 682. 22 



Total. 



Haikwan taels. 



Remarks. 



91,287,043.00, 



3,979,520.00 



,607,750.00 



Total 



42 286,500,000.00 

106,285,933.00 

477,000,000.00 

1147,574,000.00 
6492,763.15 

12 177,000,000.00 



29,824,856.00 
5,635,844.00 

112,500,000.00 

307,236.85 
78,000,000.00 



388,055.22! 
34, 072. 500. 00! 



75,779,250.00 



Claims received 
by German le- 
gation exclu- 
sive of reduc- 
tions and inter- 



Exclusive of in- 
terest. 



As a lump sum. 

93,000,000 francs 
are for private 
claims (W. W. 
R.) 



41,839,173.001 -, fift4 mQ ^i 

9i 824^856. 00/ 51.664,029.00 
20,366,500.001 27 m q97 0ft 

6, 747, 429. 00 f Z1 ' ll6 > 927> °° 
33, 777, 540. 00\ ,, --- -„. ^ 

1,775,000.00/ °o>oi',°''-W 

! 800,000.00 

125,316,000.00) ioo o 1fi mn m 

8,000,000.00/ *fcJ, olt>, UUU. UU 



462, 538, 116. 22 






i Marks. 

2 Provisionally revised and including one year'i 
interest. 

3 Kroners. 

4 Francs. 

5 Haikwan taels. 
6 International claims subject to reduction. 



7 Not revised. 

8 Swedish claims, 
a Gold. 

io Pounds, 
ii Yen. 
12 Rubles. 



S. Doc. 67 15 



226 EEPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 

Mr. Rockhill to Mr. Hay. 

No. 112.] Commissioner of the United States to China, 

Peking, China, June 8, 1901. 
Sir: I have the honor to inclose herewith copy of a note which I 
sent to-day to the dean of the diplomatic corps asking him to commu- 
nicate to the represenatives of the powers the formal suggestion of the 
U nited States to submit the question of the indemnity to be asked of 
China to the Arbitral Tribunal of The Hague. 

* * * * * * * 

Since my telegram to you of the 6th instant no other powers save 
those therein indicated have informed the conference that they agree 
to limit their claims to July 1 and will accept 4 per cent interest. I 
am informed by the French minister that his Government accepts the 
limitation of the indemnity to 450,000,000 taels, but he has not stated 
that it accepts the interest specified. France's acceptance is, further- 
more, conditional on the agreement of the powers to a jointly guar- 
anteed loan. Russia, I have reasons to believe, entertains exactly the 
same views. 

The Japanese minister tells me that his Government can not agree 
to 4 per cent interest, as it can only borrow at 5 per cent. 

The moment is the best, I think, I could have chosen for the formal 
submission of your proposal. 

I am, etc. , W. W. Rockhill. 



[In closure. —Translation .] 

Commissioner of the United States to China, 

Peking, June 8, 1901. 

Monsieur le Ministre et Cher Doyen: During the negotiations my predecessor 
and I have on several occasions had the honor to inform our honorable colleagues 
that our Government hoped that in case the powers should unfortunately be unable 
to reach an agreement on the question of the indemnity to be asked of China they 
would be able to agree to submit this question to the Arbitral Tribunal of The Hague. 

In view of the apparent impossibility of reaching a settlement of this question sat- 
isfactory alike to all the powers, my Government, in the hope of hastening its solu- 
tion, has ordered me to formally propose to the representatives of the powers to 
submit it to the Arbitral Tribunal of The Hague. 

Begging you, Monsieur le Ministre et cher Doyen, to lay the proposition of my 
Government before the representatives of the powers, who will be pleased to take it 
in consideration, I avail myself of this occasion to renew to you the assurance of my 
highest consideration. 

W. W. Rockhill. 



Mr. Hill to Mr. Rockhill. 

No. 28.] Department of State, 

Washington, July W, 1901. 
Sir: I have to acknowledge the receipt of your dispatch, No. 112, 
of the 8th ultimo, inclosing a copy of your note of that date to the 
dean of the diplomatic corps asking him to communicate to the repre- 
sentatives of the powers the formal suggestion of the United States to 
submit the question of the indemnity to be asked of China to the 
Arbitral Tribunal of The Hague. 
Your action in the matter is approved by the Department. 
I am, sir, etc., 

David J. Hill, 

Acting Secretary. 



REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA.. 227 

Mr. Bockhill to Mr. Hay. 

No. 114.] Commissioner of the United States to China, 

Peking, Jwie 11, 1901. 

Sir: The diplomatic corps held a meeting to-day to consider the ques- 
tion of the revenues to be set apart by China for the payment of the 
interest and amortization of the indemnity debt, the discussion of this 
subject having been suspended sometime ago on account of great 
divergence of views between the various representatives. 

The French minister stated to-day that he was authorized by his 
Government to examine the resources of China best suited to this 
purpose; that his Government believed that revenues which could be 
placed under the control of the Chinese Maritime Customs presented 
the best guaranty, and that it would, therefore, be pleased to see the 
tariff on imports increased to 10 per cent. If, however, this could not 
be, the French Government was willing to accept the revenue derived 
from the salt gabelle, which had been offered for this purpose by the 
Chinese plenipotentiaries in their note of May 11, 1901, copy of which 
I inclosed you in my dispatch, No. 86, of May 16. 

The Russian minister stated that he had the same instructions; that 
his Government also desired an increase of the tariff on imports, but 
would accept the revenue offered on the salt, on condition that in case 
the payments on account of interest on the indemnities were not regu- 
larly made, the powers would consider the eventual increase of cus- 
toms dues on imports up to 10 per cent, the increase derivable from 
this source to be entirely affected to the payments on account of the 
new debt. 

I stated that the Government of the United States agreed with the 
French and Russian Governments in considering that the best possible 
security for the pajmients on account of the loan would be revenues 
placed under the control of the Maritime Customs, and that it would 
agree to an increase of the tariff to 10 per cent on the following condi- 
tions: 

First. General revision of the tariff and conversion of ad valorem 
into specific duties. 

Second. Removal of the prohibition on the exportation of rice. 

Third. Abolition of all likin, including transit dues and all inland 
taxation of every kind on all foreign imports. 

Fourth. Revision of the tariff of likin charges on native produce 
destined for exportation, especially tea, raw cotton, and silk, and other 
important articles of export trade; and 

Fifth. Participation by the Chinese Government in improvements of 
the waterways leading to Shanghai and Tientsin. 

These suggestions of mine had been made known to the representa- 
tives of the powers a few days ago, in a memorandum which I had 
submitted to them individually, a copy of which I inclose herewith for 
your consideration. 

The Japanese minister fully approved of the suggestions contained 
in my proposal, and submitted the advisability of an international com- 
mittee being appointed to carry out the revision of the tariff on the 
lines indicated by me. Until the completion of the work of this com- 
mittee import dues would be levied on an ad valorem basis. 

The British minister objected to any partial reduction of the likin. 
His Government, he said, would only consider the total abolition of 
the whole system, besides a number of other compensations, including 



228 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 

river improvements on the Shanghai and Tientsin rivers, and also on 
the Yangtze, protection of trade-marks, and probably other questions, 
as compensation for the increase of import duties to 10 per cent. He 
objected, furthermore, to my proposition for the reason that part of the 
likin was already pledged for the payments on account of the Anglo- 
German loan of 1898, and that the transit dues, of which I ask sup- 
pression, were also hypothecated with the general revenues of the 
customs. 

He contended also that the elevation of the tariff on imports would 
not supply sufficient revenues to pay the annual sums needed, which 
will amount to a little under 19,000,000 taels. The salt revenue offered 
by the Chinese Government seemed to him to be the best fund to apply 
to this purpose, and offered sufficient security. 

In view of the strong opposition I met with on the part of the British 
minister to consider any partial abolition of the likin, and of the gen- 
eral disinclination on the part of all my colleagues to avail themselves 
of the opportunity offered them now to settle any of the questions 
affecting trade, I felt compelled to accept the revenues offered us on 
the salt gabelle, to wit, 11,000,000 taels a year. These, added to the 
amount which will probably be derived from the native customs at the 
treaty ports when placed under control of the Maritime Customs, plus 
the available balances in the hands of the Maritime Customs, will make 
up a sum of 17,000,000 taels a year. 

All the ministers agreed, furthermore, with the exception of myself, 
to raise the tariff on imports to 5 per cent effective ad valorem. This 
will give about 2,000,000 taels a year additional. This I declined to 
agree to, and stated that the commercial compensations we would ask 
would be the same as if the tariff were raised to 10 per cent. Finally, 
to bring the matter to a close, I agreed to accept, subject to your 
approval, and as compensation for our accepting a 5 per cent effective: 

1. That the present customs dues on imports should be converted 
from ad valorem into specific ones, and that an international commis- 
sion should be appointed for this purpose; pending the results of this 
work all customs duties on imports shall continue to be levied on ad 
valorem basis; 

2. The improvement of the waterways leading up to Shanghai and 
Tientsin, with the financial participation in this work of the Chinese 
Government; and 

3. That the regulations at present in force concerning inland navi- 
gation by foreigners for purpose of trade should be revised so as to 
open this trade to all classes of shipping. 

This latter provision met with the strongest opposition from the 
Russian minister, who opposed it because it tended to reopen discussion 
at a moment when it was most desirable to bring negotiations to a 
close. * * * The revision I asked for would be of great value to 
Great Britain, Germany, France, and Japan, and would tend to improve 
trade generally. 1 inserted it more to secure the support of my col- 
leagues from those countries on the other points than for any direct 
advantage our trade would derive from it. * * * 

The revision of the tariff on the lines indicated is one of the desiderata 
you mentioned to me in your telegram of April 11 last, as is also the 
revision of the inland navigation rules and the conservancy work on 
the rivers. I trust, therefore, that my action may meet with }^our 
approval. I regret deeply, however, that more could not be done for 



REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 229 

trade interests at the present moment, but all my colleagues are 
instructed to keep the settlement of the indemnity question separate 
from commercial ones. This, of course, will ultimately prove detri- 
mental to a satisfactory settlement of the latter, for a powerful lever- 
age on China will be lost. 

The Russian minister submitted his proposal concerning the eventual 
increase of the tariff on imports in the following terms, which met 
with no objection from the representatives of the powers, and which 
I submit to you, subject to your approval. It is as follows: 

The diplomatic corps proposes that in case of irregularity in payment on the part of 
China the deferred payments on account of the loan shall be guaranteed by the 
eventual raising of the customs dues on imports up to 10 per cent. In this case the 
increase of revenue thus produced would be entirely applied to the loan. 

It is nevertheless understood that each Government shall have the right to formu- 
late its reserves when the discussion of the eventual increase of the duties on imports 
above 5 per cent ad valorem is about to be undertaken. 

I have the honor, etc., W. W. Rockhill. 



[Translation.] 
Memorandum presented to the Diplomatic body by the United States Plenipoteniary. 

The commission charged with studying the question of the payment of indem- 
nities, after devoting its attention to an examination of the various Chinese revenues 
which might be used for that purpose and inquiring into the methods of administra- 
tion and the possibility of exercising any control over them, expressed the opinion 
that "le revenu le plus sur de la Chine est constitue par les douanes mari times sous 
le controle d' une administration £trangere. Les evenements de 1900 en ont montre 
la solidite." * * * 

If, as is the case, other Chinese revenues than those collected by the maritime 
customs must be applied to the payment of the interest on the indemnities, and if 
the powers remain absolutely opposed to any foreign interference in the administra- 
sion of China's revenues, then the only guaranty we can possibly get, and guaranty 
we should have, that the pledged revenues will be honestly collected and devoted to 
the purpose of the debt, is to place them under the absolute control of this reliable 
service. 

The representatives of the powers and the Chinese Government are in agreement 
that the customs duties on native shipping shall be collected and the service gen- 
erally managed at all open ports by the maritime customs. It is confidently 
expected that in their hands this revenue will amount to nearly 5,000,000 taels, which, 
if we may judge by the success which has attended its collection at Kowloon and 
Lappa by the foreign customs, may be still considerably increased, perhaps doubled 
or trebled, within a few years. 

It has been furthermore suggested by the Chinese Government, and most of the 
representatives of the powers accepted the suggestion — in principle at least — that the 
customs tariff on foreign imports should be raised to an effective 5 per cent ad valorem. 
But if this measure were agreed to by all the treaty powers, it would still only pro- 
duce a fraction of the sum annually needed to meet the payments on account of 
interest on the indemnities — over 65 per cent of the amount would still have to be 
provided for. 

Another suggestion made is that the customs dues on imports should be raised to 
10 per cent. Basing the calculation on the average returns for the last three years 
(1898-1900), and excluding from its operation rice and opium, we find this would 
probably yield an annual increase of 11,500,000 taels, which, added to the unassigned 
balance of revenue of the Maritime Customs, plus the customs on native shipping, 
would produce very nearly 18,000,000 taels a year, the amount which will probably 
be needed for the payments on account of interest on the indemnities. _ If this 
amount should fall short in the next few years, while the administration is being 
organized, it is always possible to take the small balance needed from the salt gabelle, 
or such other source as the Chinese Government might agree to pledge for this 
eventuality. But, for the reasons stated above, this seems nighty improbable, and 
it is expected that a large surplus will be derived from these sources in a few years. 



230 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 

The raising of the import duties to an effective 5 per cent ad valorem, or to 10 per 
cent, is, however, opposed by some of the powers and by the whole foreign mercan- 
tile interests, unless offset by the removal by the Chinese Government of some of 
the obstacles in the way of trade extension. 

The principal desiderata of the foreign commercial world are: 

First. Abolition of all likin, or if that can not be secured, the reform of the likin 
administration and the regulation of likin dues. 

Second. Revision of the tariff and the substitution of specific for ad valorem duties. 

Third. Revision of the regulations now in force for the navigation of inland waters 
by foreign ships for purposes of trade. 

Fourth. Improvement of the waterways giving access to the more important com- 
mercial cities. 

Should the powers agree to an increase of the tariff on imports to 10 per cent, it 
is suggested that the following compensation be insisted on from the Chinese Gov- 
ernment: 

First. General revision of the tariff, and conversion of ad valorem into specific 
duties. 

Second. Removal of the prohibition on the exportation of rice. 

Third. Abolition of all likin, including transit dues and all other inland taxation 
of every kind on all foreign imports; opium to remain subject to the duties and 
charges now imposed on it. 

Fourth. Revision of the tariff of likin charges on native-owned produce destined 
for exportation, especially tea, raw cotton, silk, silk cocoons, and other important 
articles of trade. 

Fifth. The participation by the Chinese Government in the works needed to 
improve the waterways leading to Shanghai and to Tientsin. The annual quota of 
the expenses for such works to be borne by China shall be paid out of the revenues 
pledged for the payment of the 1900 indemnities, but if these are at any time insuffi- 
cient for that purpose, the Chinese Government shall pledge itself to make good the 
sum out of any other unassigned revenues it shall see fit to use for that purpose. 

W. W. ROCKHILL. 

Peking, June 4, 1901. 



Mr. Hill to Mr. Eockhill. 

No. 31.] Department of State, 

Washington, July %\, 1901. 
Sir: 1 have to acknowledge the receipt of your dispatch, No. 114, of 
the 11th ultimo, reporting the proceedings of a meeting of the diplo- 
matic corps held on that date to consider the question of the revenues 
to be set aside by China for the payment of the interest and amortiza- 
tion of the indemnity. 

Referring to the discretion in the matter of customs duties and other 
revenues, which was given you by telegram of the 12th ultimo, which 
telegram you acknowledged in your unnumbered dispatch of the 17th 
ultimo, I have to inform you that your action at the meeting has the 
Department's general approval. 

I am, sir, etc., David J. Hill, 

Acting Secretary. 

Mr. Rochhill to Mr. Hay. 

No. 115.] Commissioner of the United States to China, 

Peking, China, June 12, 1901. 

Sir: I have the honor to transmit herewith for your information a 

translation of the note addressed by the dean of the diplomatic corps 

to the Chinese plenipotentiaries concerning the carrying out of Article 

IV of the Joint Note which provides for the erection of expiatory 



EEPOKT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 231 

monuments in the foreign cemeteries in China which were desecrated 
last year; also of the reply of Chou Fu, treasurer of the province 
of Chih-li, stating the steps which it is proposed to take to settle the 
matter. 

Exclusive of the cemeteries desecrated at Pekin, mentioned in the 
latter note, there is, I understand, one at Hsuan-hua Fu, in this prov- 
ince. This will be stated in the reply to the latter note by the Dean, 
and the matter will be promptly settled. 

I am, etc., W. W. Rockhill. 



[Inclosure 1. — Translation.] 
M. de Cologan to the Chinese Plenipotentiaries. 

Peking, March 29, 1901. 

Your Highness and Your Excellency: I have the honor to notify your high- 
ness and your excellency of the following resolution unanimously adopted by the 
representatives of the powers concerning the carrying out of Article IV of the Joint 
Note accepted by His Majesty the Emperor of -China: 

"A sum of 10,000 taels should be paid by the Chinese Government for each one 
of the cemeteries situated in the capital and which have been desecrated, and 5,000 
taels for each one of those which may be in the same case and situated in the provinces. 
These sums shall be paid without prejudice to those which shall furthermore be 
claimed for material losses resulting from the profanation of the cemeteries. ' ' 

It is understood, on the other hand, that the legations interested would transmit to 
you directly the list of cemeteries in which they have, for their part, to see to the 
erection of expiatory monuments, and it is to these legations that your highness 
and your excellency will have to pay the sums mentioned in the resolution I trans- 
mit to you. 

I avail myself, etc. B. J. de Cologan. 



[Inclosure 2.] 



Memorandum by Chou Fu on the money to be paid by the Chinese Government for the 
erection of expiatory monuments in the cemeteries desecrated — Sent to M. de Cologan, dean 
of the Diplomatic body. 

I have received a communication from the Chinese plenipotentiaries stating that 
ihey had received a dispatch from your excellency to the effect that a resolution had 
been adopted by the representatives of the powers concerning the carrying out of 
Artie] e IV of the Joint Note as follows : 

"A sum of 10,000 taels should be paid by the Chinese Government for each one of 
the cemeteries situated in the capital and which have been desecrated, and 5,000 
taels for each one of those which may be in the same case and situated in the prov- 
inces. These sums shall be paid without prejudice to those which shall furthermore 
be claimed for material losses resulting from the profanation of the cemeteries. It 
is understood, on the other hand, that the legations interested would transmit to you 
directly the list of the cemeteries in which they have for their part to see to the exe- 
cution of expiatory monuments, and it is to these legations that your highness and 
your excellency will have to pay the sums mentioned in the resolution I transmit to 
you." 

It appears that of the cemeteries which were desecrated in the capital there are five 
of the French outside of the Fou Cheng gate at Teng Kung, Cha-la and Cheng Fu 
Ssu, and the sum to be paid is 50,000 taels. There is a cemetery of the British out- 
side of the western wicket gate, and the sum to be paid is 10,000 taels. Further, 
10,000 taels is to be paid for the desecration of the Russian cemetery outside of the 
An Ting gate. 

Some time ago I had an interview with Sir Ernest Satow, the British minister, 
and M. Pichon, the French minister, and it was ascertained by me that the money 
to erect expiatory monuments in the British and French cemeteries should be 
sent to the British and French legations. These amounts are not included in the 



232 REPOET OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 

indemnity. I do not know as yet what cemeteries were desecrated at Tung Chou, 
Tientsin, and in the provinces. I am charged with arranging missionary cases, and 
these are nearly settled. I propose to request the Chinese plenipotentiaries, Prince 
Ching and Li Hung-chang, to memorialize the Throne, asking that the money be appro- 
priated for the erection of expiatory monuments in the cemeteries in the capital, and 
thus settle these cases. I do not know when the list (referred to above) from the 
representatives of the powers will be sent or whether the matter will be left to me 
to investigate and request an appropriation to meet the claims. 

I ask that your excellency will confer with your colleagues in this business and 
favor me with a reply. I ask, furthermore, that the amounts necessary for repairs 
to the cemeteries shall be included in the amount for indemnity. 



Mr. Rockhill to Mr. Hay. 

No. 116.] Commissioner of the United States to China, 

Peking, China, June IS, 1901. 

Sir: I have the honor to transmit herewith, for your information, 
copies of the correspondence exchanged between the representatives 
of the powers and the Chinese plenipotentiaries concerning the carry- 
ing out of the terms of Article VII of the Joint Note, which provided 
for the creation of a defensible diplomatic quarter in Peking, within the 
limits of which the Chinese were not to reside. (Inclosures 1-5.) 

As the question now stands, the Chinese Government has agreed to 
cede the right of occupancy of all the ground owned by it or its sub- 
jects within the limits indicated to the powers collectively, to form a 
defensible diplomatic quarter, undertaking, furthermore, to compen- 
sate its subjects whom it may have to expropriate for that purpose. 

The representatives of the powers directly after the occupation of 
the city by the foreign forces reached an agreement among themselves 
as to the ground each required for the extension and defense of their 
respective legation or for the erection of a new one, the legally vested 
rights of foreign private owners within the limits being, of course, 
recognized. 

The action of the representative of the United States was reported 
to you by Mr. Conger in his dispatch No. 438, of November 3, 1900, 
and No. 558, of March 4, 1901. 

In the former dispatch Mr. Conger says that he presumes that under 
our policy the land set aside in the aforesaid arrangement between the 
foreign representatives, if taken by the United States, "will be paid 
for either to the Chinese owners or credited upon account against the 
Chinese Government for indemnity." 

A commission composed of interpreters of legations and delegates 
appointed by the Chinese plenipotentiaries was organized at the 
request of the foreign representatives (see inclosures 6-11), and has 
been for some time past occupied in examining and recording the 
proofs of ownership of Chinese subjects to land within the diplomatic 
quarter, and to whom the Chinese Government is to pay an indemnity 
for their property. 

The United States might, if it sees fit, credit the Chinese Govern- 
ment with such sums as it may ultimately pay under the decision of this 
commission to Chinese property owners within the limits of our section 
of the diplomatic quarter. This method seems preferable to buying 
directly from the present owners of this ground, which course seems, at 
present at least, very difficult to follow. The former plan appears also 



EEPOET OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 283 

to conform to your instruction to me that the sum demanded of China 
($25,000,000) covered all claims of whatever nature. 
In his dispatch No. 558, of March 4 last, Mr. Conger says that — 

he has designated tracts in the vicinity of the legation's present residence which will 
be ample for the purposes of a new legation. * * * It is, however, probable that 
in the portion of the quarter allotted to the United States legation there will be a 
few desirable lots beyond the requirements of the legation, which, of course, citizens 
of the United States have the first right to purchase. 

Unless the Chinese Government makes a complete cession or lease 
in perpetuity to the power sof this quarter of the city, the latter, it seems 
to me, can not put it to any use but that specified — legations and the 
purposes of their defense. Should any one of them at any time decide 
not to occupy the whole of the section of the quarter set aside by 
mutual arrangement between the powers for its use, the property must 
revert to the other powers for their use, the title always remaining in 
the Chinese Government. Under the present arrangement the United 
States Government might allow occupancy to its nationals of a portion 
of its section for such purposes as it might deem necessary or expe- 
dient. I note, however, the Department's views on this subject con- 
tained in the last paragraph of its instructions to me — No. 23, of May 
3, 1901. 

For the above reasons it would seem that the legation is wrong in 
supposing that citizens of the United States have the right to buy such 
lots in the American section as ma} r not be needed for its use. 

I respectfully request that this legation be instructed at as early a 
date as possible as to your views on the following points: 

First. Will the United States Government credit the Chinese Gov- 
ernment on the amount of the indemnity with the amount paid by it 
to its expropriated subjects within our section of the quarter, or does 
it wish to buy directly from the owners? 

Second. Does the Government wish that a formal cession should be 
made by China to it of the ground comprised in our section of the 



diplomatic quarter? 
Third. Wl 



hat disposition do you wish made of the land within our 
section not necessary for legation purposes? 
I am, etc., 

W. W. Rockhell. 



[Inclosure 1.— Translation.] 
Mr. de Cologan to the Chinese Plenipotentiaries. 

Peking, March 1, 1901. 

Highness and Excellency: Article VII of the Joint Note accepted by His Majesty 
the Emperor of China grants to each power the right to organize a permanent guard 
for its legation and to make defensible the diplomatic quarter, in which Chinese 
shall not have the right to reside. 

In your memorandum of the 16th of January you were pleased to ask us concern- 
ing this subject where would commence and where would finish the diplomatic 
quarter. 

You add: "The Government offices and public buildings which may happen to 
be situated within it should be left outside its limits. This quarter should be delimi- 
tated with us, so that we may ask the inhabitants to leave it." I have the honor 
to inform you that the representatives of the powers have fixed the limits of the 
diplomatic quarter by the following lines, as is indicated in the annexed plan : x 



1 The plan referred to is attached to the Final Protocol (see p. — ). 



234 KEPOKT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 

To the west line a, b, c, d, drawn from the foot of the wall; to the north line d, e,f 9 
drawn along the base of the wall of the Imperial City, and the line between the let- 
ters /and g; to the east line g, h, drawn to the east of the Ketteler strasse (Great 
court of the Hata-men); to the south line h, a, drawn along the outside of the wall 
of the Tartar City and following the bastions. 

The representatives of the powers have decided, furthermore, that you should be 
informed that the governmental and public buildings on ground within these limits 
should be transferred elsewhere. 

I reserve to myself to inform you later, in the name of my colleagues, of the com- 
pensations which will be proposed for the Chinese who must leave this quarter and 
whose lots will be expropriated by the various legations. 
I avail myself of this opportunity, etc., 

B. J. DE COLOGAN. 



[Inclosure 2.] 



Translation of a memorandum presented by Prince Ching and Li Hung Chang, conjointly, 
on the subject of the legation quarter, dated March 2, 1901. 

On the 1st instant we received a communication from the doyen, accompanied by 
a plan, stating that the foreign representatives had decided upon the area to be set 
apart as the legation quarter, and denned the four boundaries of the same; that the 
public offices and buildings therein situated must be transferred elsewhere, and that 
the question of compensating the Chinese inhabitants thereof, who must also remove 
themselves and who are to be expropriated, is reserved for a subsequent communi- 
cation. 

As regards the Chinese residing in this quarter who have to remove themselves 
elsewhere, it is, in the interest of justice and equity, imperative that later on regula- 
tions for indemnifying them in respect of their removal, expenses, and the value of 
their land be drawn up. 

In the memorandum of February 5, which we handed to you, we asked for par- 
ticulars as to where the legation quarter commenced and where it ended. We 
stated that all offices and buildings situated therein ought to be considered part of 
the same, and pointed out the necessity of having a joint delimitation of its 
boundaries. 

A careful perusal, however, of the plan accompanying the Doyen's communication 
shows us that the Tang Tzu, important ground where the Emperor is wont to sacri- 
fice, has been included within the limits, which also embrace the following public 
offices and buildings: 

The Imperial clan Court, the Boards of civil office, revenue, rites, war and works, 
the Mongolian Superintendency, the Hanlin College, the Imperial supervisorate of 
instruction, the Court of the Imperial stud and of state ceremonial, the Imperial 
Board of astronomy, the Carriage park, the Residence for tributary envoys, and the 
College devoted to the students of the Hanlin bachelors. All the above-named places 
are essential to the carrying on of public business. 

Ever since Peking was made the capital the various public offices have been estab- 
lished inside the Cheng Yang gate (the Chien Men), on the right and left of the 
Imperial city. They are in immediate proximity to and form a circle around the 
same. 

Not only does the fact of their being adjacent (to the palace) facilitate the dispatch 
of public business; it is a question intimately affecting the prestige and the dignity 
of the state. This arrangement has remained without change throughout the Yuan 
and Ming dynasties, a period of now more than five hundred years. The magnitude 
of the building operations and the number of public servants, high and low, have 
also to be considered, and were a transfer insisted upon there would be no other site 
available. Moreover, the Tang Tzu and these various public offices and buildings 
are comparatively far away from the legations. Regarded from a legation point of 
view, their exclusion from the legation quarter would have no harmful results, 
whereas their inclusion therein would deprive the capital city of all that goes to con- 
stitute a capital. The action proposed involves consequences of no trifling import to 
the dignity of the state and the hope of the people. 

Were we lightly and inconsiderately to acquiesce therein it is to be feared that their 
majesties the Empress Dowager and Emperor would, on their return, visit us with 
censure of the severest kind. It is of a truth really impossible for us to take so heavy 
a load upon our shoulders. 



REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 235 

It is accordingly incumbent upon us to pray you in the terms of our former memo- 
randum to agree to consider these buildings as not included in the legation quarter. 

To accede to our request would afford ample evidence that the foreign ministers 
plenipotentiary are in sympathy with the sincere desire to strengthen friendly rela- 
tions which animates our Government. 

That you will do so is of a truth most fervently hoped by us. 



[Inclosure 3. — Translation.] 

Imperial and Royal Legation of Austria-Hungary, 

N Peking, April 25, 1901. 

Mr. Minister and Dear Dean: The commission on the diplomatic quarter has 
the honor to inform you of the results of the conferences which it had on the 22d of 
April with the Chinese plenipotentiaries to consider the questions brought up in the 
draft note which they handed us on the 2d of last March. 

The commission in the first place informed the Chinese plenipotentiaries that the 
diplomatic corps had decided to insist on the boundaries for the legation quarters 
indicated in the letter which you sent them on the 1st of March, but that it was ready 
to make a concession as to the western boundary, on condition that the Chinese 
Government should no longer insist on the other objections made in the above-men- 
tioned note. 

This concession would consist in bringing back the line a 6 to within a certain dis- 
tance of Gazelee road, so as to leave the Chinese Government the four ministries 
situated between Gazelee road and the Chien Men, to wit, the bureau of the Imperial 
household and the ministries of the interior, of finance, and of rites. We did not 
fail to add that this concession could only be made in case of the Chinese Gov- 
ernment undertaking not to allow any native dwellings on the ground situated 
between Gazelee road and the Chien Men, with the exception of those of the Chinese 
servants of the legations, who were to be expropriated from their former dwellings 
in the diplomatic quarter. 

The Chinese plenipotentiaries would prefer to leave this ground entirely free of any 
buildings with the exception of the four above-mentioned yamens, but they would 
be ready to leave the settlement of these details to the mixed commission of inter- 
preters and Chinese delegates. 

Prince Ching insisted very much that we should give up the idea of having demol- 
ished the yellow wall of the Imperial palace situated to the north of the British lega- 
tion, as it would destroy the symmetry of the palace. All our objections did not 
succeed in making him accept the decision of the diplomatic corps on this point, but 
finally he seemed ready to recommend to the Court the project of substituting an iron 
railing for this wall. The commission undertook to submit this proposition to the 
diplomatic corps. 

The opposition of Prince Ching to the tearing down of a part of the Bureau of 
Mongol affairs, so as to make the glacis on the north, was also very strong. He fin- 
ished, however, by giving in in favor of the military exigencies of the case which we 
submitted to him, but asked that the prohibition of buildings, or of depositing build- 
ing materials on the glacis, should extend to foreigners as well as to natives, and 
that the ownership of the ground on that part of the glacis situated to the north of 
the street should remain vested in the Chinese, and that the Chinese police should 
be permitted to exercise its duties on the glacis, while observing the regulations 
elaborated by the diplomatic corps. 

The most serious objections were made to us concerning the Tang Tzu (ancestral 
temple) , as the relinquishment of this spot to foreigners would be considered, accord- 
ing to Prince Ching, as a serious blow to the dignity of the dynasty. 

The Prince proposed to give in exchange to the Italian legation the ground be- 
longing to the customs, which the inspector-in-chief had declared he was ready to 
cede if this legation would give up the Tang Tzu. We observed that the two build- 
ings in the north part of this inclosure would have to be pulled down for necessity 
of defense, but the prince insisted on his proposition, being satisfied to occupy that 
part of the Tang Tzu which would remain to the south of the wall. 

We deemed it necessary to submit this proposition to the diplomatic corps, while 
asking at the same time the Prince to be pleased to consult the Court and to propose 
to it to transfer the temnJe of ancestors entirely outside the diplomatic quarter, as 
this seemed much more compatible with the dignity of the dynasty. The delimita- 
tion of the diplomatic quarter on the east side caused no objection, and as to the 



236 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA, 






wall of the Tartar city, the prince finally agreed that the portion extending between 
the Hata Men and the Chien Men should remain occupied by the legations, only 
demanding that houses should not be built on it, and that nothing should be done 
to change its present aspect. This we considered ourselves justified in promising. 

Begging you to communicate the above to the diplomatic corps, we avail ourselves 
of this opportunity, etc., 

M. C. Czikann. 

S. PlCHON. 

Salvago Raggi. 



[Inclosure 4.— Translation.] 

The Chynese Plenipotentiaries to Mr. de Cologan. 

Peking, May 11, 1901. 
Your Excellency : On the 22d of April we had a conference with the French, 
Austrian, and Italian plenipotentiaries, at which we discussed the question of the 
legation quarter in Peking. With the exception of the Tang Tzu (Imperial ances- 
tral hall), which place has been surrendered by decree of His Majesty the Emperor — 
of which fact we have duly notified the Italian minister, Marquis Salvago Raggi, by 
note — the question of the four boundaries and other matters agreed upon, we now 
write to you about officially, so that a record by both the foreign representatives and 
ourselves may be kept. 

1. The eastern boundary is 10 chang (100 feet) from the Tsung Wen gate (Hata 
Men). The ramp to the west of the gate for ascending the wall is not included 
within the legation quarter. 

2. The northern boundary extends to the Ping Pu Chieh (Board of War street). 
On the west side of this street there are the yamens of the Imperial clan court, the 
Board of civil office, the Board of revenue, and the Board of rites. These yamens 
are to be handed over to the Chinese Government. At the rear of these yamens a 
w r all, not very high, is to be built. At the side of the yamens there are houses of 
Chinese, many of which have been burned, while others remain intact. These are 
to be entirely taken down and the ground converted into vacant land. Neither 
Chinese nor foreigners will be allowed to use this land to build houses thereon. 
Chinese servants employed in the foreign legations, who originally had houses in 
this section, will be given other land on which they can build residential places. 

3. The boundary to the south extends to the city wall. The wall adjoining the 
legations is to be patrolled by a guard of police dispatched for that purpose by the 
various legations, but no houses are to be erected on the wall. 

4. The northern boundary extends to 80 meters north of the Tung Chang-an 
street. The boundary walls of the foreign legations are to be erected 15 chang (150 
feet) south of the Tung Chang-an street. The houses on the land from the boundary 
walls of the legations to the point north of the Tung Chang-an street are to be 
pulled down and the place converted into vacant ground. The Imperial city wall, 
however, is not to be disturbed. No houses, in the future, will be allowed to be 
erected on said vacant ground, either by Chinese or foreigners. The Tung Chang-an 
street is to remain open, as a public road, to carts and horses as before. The Chinese 
Government will establish police stations there and employ policemen to patrol the 
street. 

The above four boundaries and other matters decided upon were arranged verbally 
at the meeting on the day in question. 

We have the honor, therefore, to address this communication to your excellency, 
requesting you in turn to communicate same to your colleagues, so that they may 
place same on file. We also beg that your excellency will favor us with a reply. 



[Inclosure 5.— Translation.] 

M. de Cologan to the Chinese plenipotentiaries. 

Peking, May 28, 1901. 
Highness and Excellency: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of the 
letter which your highness and your excellency were pleased to send me on the 11th 
of May, and in which you confirm the arrangements concerning the limits of the 
future diplomatic quarter agreed upon between you and the commission charged by 
the representatives of the foreign powers to settle these questions. My colleagues 



EEPOBT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 237 

have learned with satisfaction that you give up the Tang-tzu (Imperial ancestral tem- 
ple) in favor of the Italian legation and that you affirm your intention of complying 
also with the other demands which have been made of you concerning these 
questions. 

They have, nevertheless, directed me to define more clearly certain points which 
in your letter do not seem sufficiently clearly set forth so as to prevent any misun- 
derstanding in the future: 

(1) As to the eastern boundary, which not only in my letter of the 1st of March, 
but also in the conference which the commission had with your highness, was fixed 
upon and settled at Ketteler street (Ha-ta-men street) . The 100 feet to the west of the 
gate Ha-ta-men, Ching-men mentioned in your letter, only indicates the extreme 
limit of our occupation on the wall of the Tartar city, and have nothing to do with 
the boundary on the street. 

(2) As to the western boundary, my honorable colleagues have found your decla- 
rations satisfactory: 

(a) That this boundary shall start from the Chien-men Gate and run along the 
line a 6 as far as the street of the legations, shall follow along the north of that street 
to a distance 40 meters to the west of the street of the ministries (Gaselee road), 
where it shall run to the north until it reaches the outside wall of the Imperial 
palace; 

(b) That on the ground situated between Gaselee road and. the Chien-men square 
all Chinese houses shall be demolished, and that there shall not be thereon any other 
buildings than the four yamens, to wit, the Bureau of the Imperial household and 
the Ministries of the interior, of finance, and of rites; and 

(c) That separate lots shall be given to the Chinese in the service of the legations 
who had originally houses within the quarter. 

I must nevertheless recall to your highness and your excellency that his excellency 
the minister of Eussia, as he has had the honor to inform you, has given up the two 
yamens which adjoin his lot only on the condition that the Government shall give to 
the Catholic mission in exchange for a piece of ground which belongs to it and which 
is within the extension of the Russian legation, another lot of the same value situated 
within the Tartar city, to be chosen in agreement with Mgr. Favier. 

(3) It is understood that ttie southern limit of the quarter is marked by a line 
drawn along the base of the wall, but on the south side of it, so that the part of the 
wall corresponding to the diplomatic quarter shall be comprised within it. There- 
fore the representatives of the powers, as the commission stated to you, reserve to 
themselves the right to maintain on it police stations, while pledging themselves not 
to put up on it constructions which may change the exterior aspect of the wall. 

(4) Your declaration that the limit to the north shall be at a distance of 80 meters 
north of the Chang-an street (Viale d' Italia, Stewart street), which shall remain a 
public highway, open to horses and wagons, has been found to agree with the demands 
of the foreign representatives. I deem it proper to add that in the conference of the 
above-mentioned commission with your highness it was agreed that the Chinese police 
should be allowed to perform its duties on this public highway, but that it should 
comply with regulations to be drawn up by the diplomatic corps. 

It is understood that the police stations which you propose to establish shall not 
be built to the south of the above-mentioned boundary line. This zone, in agree- 
ment with our stipulations, is to be left without any constructions on it. 

We have also to recall to you that the foreign representatives had asked that the 
part of the wall facing the British legation should be pulled down, and so as to con- 
ciliate this request with your wishes the commission had begged your highness and 
your excellency to recommend to the court the plan of substituting an iron railing 
for this wall. It is so as to facilitate to the Chinese Government the pulling down 
of this wall that his excellency the British minister has agreed to relinquish the two 
yamens facing his lot. 

I avail myself of this opportunity, etc., B. J. de Cologan. 



[Inclosure 6. — Translation.] 

M. de Cologan to the Chinese plenipotentiaries. 

Peking, March 15, 1901. 
Highness and Excellency: As I informed you in my letter dated March 1, the 
foreign plenipotentiaries, considering the carrying out of Article VII of the Joint Note, 
have resolved to ask the Chinese Government to indemnify all the Chinese propei ty 
owners whose expulsion from the diplomatic quarter has been decided upon. 



238 KEPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 

To that end they have named a committee charged with making an inquiry into 
the validity of property titles and the value of ground. So as to carry out this inquest 
with all necessary guaranties for the interested parties, the foreign plenipotentiaries 
think it desirable to have added to this committee a Chinese official who will assist 
it with his experience. 

1 have consequently the honor to request your highness and your excellency to be 
pleased to designate a delegate for the above purpose and to inform me of his name, 
so that he may be invited to meet them at the proper time. 

I avail myself, etc., B. J. de Cologan. 



[Inclosure 7.— Translation.] 
The Chinese plenipotentiaries to M. de Cologan. 

Peking, March 16, 1901. 

Your Excellency: We had the honor -to receive, on the 15th instant, your com- 
munication with reference to the execution of Article VII of the Joint Note. [Quotes 
in extenso doyen's note of March 15, 1901.] 

In your communication of the 1st instant, transmitting a plan of the proposed 
legation quarter, you made certain remarks on the subject of the Chinese residents 
within its limits. 

On receipt thereof we prepared and sent you a memorandum, in which we stated 
that in the interest of justice steps must be taken to make good to the Chinese resi- 
dents in the legation quarter who would be called upon to move elsewhere the value 
of their land and their expenses of removal. 

Now, what we meant thereby was that the plenipotentiaries of the powers them- 
selves ought, as a matter of course, to take steps to provide any sums necessary to 
make good such claims. It is a fixed and abiding principle that he who appro- 
priates land for his own use must pay for the same and that he who calls on them 
to remove their dwellings must make good the expenses of such removal. In the 
present instance, as the legations wish to extend their' boundaries, such Chinese as 
are resident within these limits must move elsewhere, and as in your former com- 
munication it is stated that such area is reserved for the use of the legations, it 
undoubtedly follows that the legations are responsible for the payment of the value 
of the land thus appropriated. Further, as the legations had called upon the present 
residents to quit, they put these people to the expense of taking down their dwell- 
ings and reerecting them, a process which is accompanied by inevitable loss of prop- 
erty and damage of various kinds. These losses being the result of orders to quit, 
the reimbursement thereof ought naturally also to be made by the legations concerned. 

It is now, however, proposed that the Chinese Government be asked to provide 
funds for this purpose. Taking all the circumstances into consideration, we can 
hardly bring ourselves to believe that a proposal of this kind is in accordance with 
equity. 

As regards the request in the communication under acknowledgment that an officer 
be appointed to assist in the examination of title deeds and assessment of values, this 
is, of a truth, a just and proper method of procedure and affords evidence of a really 
sincere desire to preserve the interests of the proprietor from injury. 

It is our duty in addressing to you this reply to beg you to consult with the pleni- 
potentiaries of the powers regarding the question of refunding to the Chinese owners 
the value of their land and expenses of removal, with a view to securing an acknowl- 
edgment of the just principle that each legation should itself take steps to provide 
the funds necessary for the purpose. 

When we shall have received your answer we will take into consideration the 
appointment of a delegate to join the committee elected by the diplomatic body. 



[Inclosure 8.— Translation.] 
The Dean of the diplomatic corps to the Chinese plenipotentiaries, 

Peking, March 19, 1901. 

Your Highness and Your Excellency: In a note under date of the 15th of March 

I had the honor to request you to designate a delegate to examine, with a commission 

named for that purpose by the representatives of the powers, the validity of deeds to 

real estate owned by Chinese within the limits of the future diplomatic quarter. I 



REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 289 

informed yon that this commission and the delegate you will choose would also have 
for duty to fix the value of the lots to be expropriated, so as to settle the damages 
which the Imperial Government would have to grant the owners of them. 

You answered me on the 16th of this month that it belonged to the legations to 
indemnify the Chinese who would be expropriated by them. You pretended in 
that communication that the pulling down and destruction of buildings which has 
been done in the diplomatic quarter were imputable to the legations, as was also the 
moving away from it of the inhabitants who have been obliged to abandon their 
dwellings. 

The events of last year are still too recent for it to be possible to represent things 
in this light. 

Why did the Emperor of China, in accepting the Joint Note, grant to the legations' 
the right to put themselves in a defensive state, unless it was because they had been 
invested and besieged for two months, surrounded by regulars and Boxers, who 
pulled down several of the legations and destroyed by fire the whole quarter sur- 
rounding them? 

Who ignores that when the allied troops entered into Peking the whole section of 
the city which the powers demand to establish their diplomatic missions in had been 
mined and burned and was only a heap of ruins — the work of Boxers and regulars? ■ 

It is the Chinese Government, declared responsible for these events by the powers, 
and which had recognized itself as such in accepting their conditions; it is for it to 
bear the consequences of its conduct, and to supply to the diplomatic agents the means 
of defense it has rendered necessary in failing to keep its first obligations. Among 
these means of defense figure in first line the removing of the houses which served 
as a place of refuge to those attacking the legations and the walls of which have 
shielded their attacks against the representatives of the powers. 

As, however, it would be unjust to deprive of their dwellings Chinese who have 
no responsibility in the affair, and who would as a result be victims of an event which 
they could not prevent, the diplomatic corps proposes to you to fix with it the rea- 
sonable damages which you will have to pay the inhabitants who can show good 
titles to their property. 

The diplomatic corps can only insist on its demand, and my colleagues have directed 
me to beg you to designate as soon as possible the delegate who will put himself in 
communication with the commission which they have appointed. 

B. J. DE COLOGAN. 



[Inclosure 9.— Translation.] 
The Chinese plenipotentiaries to M. de Cologan. 

Peking, March 23, 1901. 

Youe Excellency: On the 29th day of the first moon, of the 27th year of Kuang 
Hsu (March 19, 1901), we received your dispatch informing us that the diplomatic 
corps could only adhere to its proposition for us to take part with it in establishing 
the equitable indemnities which China would have to give to the expropriated inhabi- 
tants who could produce satisfactory title deeds to property, and that the diplomatic 
corps have charged you to request us to designate, as soon as possible, a delegate who 
should put himself in communication with the commission appointed by it. 

In reply, we would note that, according to international law, war is an act between 
two nations, in which the populations are not concerned; that the victorious govern- 
ment has a right to seize public property, but not the right of seizing private property; 
that, nevertheless, the victorious country can occupy for its use private property, but 
naturally on the condition to pay the value of it to the former owner. 

Your dispatch admits also that there is cause for indemnifying the former owner 
for the value of his private property, but it declares that it should be paid by the 
Chinese, and that is not just. It is perfectly clear that he who uses a piece of ground 
should pay the price of this ground, as we have explained in detail in our previous 
reply. 

Furthermore, article 7 of the protocol of peace negotiations only stipulated the right 
for each power to establish a guard for its legation and to put in a state of defense the 
diplomatic quarter, and it was in no wise stated in it that it was possible to extend 
at one's will the limits, or that they could, according to their convenience, encroach 
on the property of the people. 

If, therefore, the legations occupy for their use the houses and the ground belonging 
to Chinese subjects and situated within the limits of the quarter actually laid out, it 
would naturally be proper, in compliance with equity, that the price should be paid 
by the legations. 



240 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 



Nevertheless, desirous as we, the prince and minister, are to treat in a satisfactory 
manner the various articles of the convention, in case the diplomatic corps should 
consent to promptly reach an understanding with us in conformity with the proposi- 
tions of the memorandum which we have addressed to it previously on the question 
of the restitution of the Tang-tzu and various important yamens, it would not be diffi- 
cult for us to endeavor to accede to the desire of the diplomatic corps in promising to 
pay the price of the loss and in designating an able delegate to whom would be 
intrusted the question of regulating in a satisfactory manner, in conjunction with the 
commission, the examination of title deeds and various questions. 

Such is the answer which we send you, Monsieur the dean, requesting you to kindly 
bring it to the knowledge of the diplomatic corps. 






[Inclosure 10. — Translation.] 
M. de Cologan to the Chinese plenipotentiaries, 

Peking, March SO, 1901. 

Highness and Excellency: The representatives of the powers take note of the 
declarations contained in your dispatch of the 23d of this month, by which you agree, 
in principle, to indemnify the Chinese who shall be expropriated from the diplomatic 
quarter, and to designate a delegate to discuss this question with the committee 
appointed for that purpose by the diplomatic corps. 

The considerations which you have laid down, however, in your dispatch, before 
reaching this conclusion, can not be accepted. It is not, as you seem to believe, by 
right of conquest that the foreign ministers have seized private property situated 
within the limits of the quarter to be ceded under the terms of Article VII of the 
Joint Note accepted by His Majesty the Emperor of China. It is because the annexa- 
tion of these properties is indispensable for the future defense of the diplomatic 
quarter, and because they were used as a refuge by the regulars and Boxers who 
attacked the legations for two months. 

While noting, as is proper, the passage of your dispatch in which you admit that 
it is lawful for the representatives of the powers to dispose of the public buildings 
within the limits fixed by my letter of the 1st of March to your highness and your 
excellency, and while willing to seek with you a compromise on this point, my col- 
leagues call your attention to the fact that a state of war does not exist and has never 
existed during last year between China and the governments whose plenipotentiaries 
they are. 

What happened was an attempted general massacre of foreigners and of the mem- 
bers of the diplomatic body by Boxers and Chinese regulars, obeying orders emanat- 
ing from the Imperial palace. As a result, the Government of His Majesty the 
Emperor of China admitted its liability for this attempt, and declared itself ready to 
grant both reparation and the guarantee deemed indispensable by the powers. The 
erection of a quarter provided with means of defense against the recurrence of a 
criminal attempt like the one which only failed through the arrival of the allied 
troops at Peking is one of these guarantees. The Chinese Government owes it entirely 
to the foreign governments and to their ministers in China without any compensa- 
tion on their part. 

I have the honor, in consequence, to reaffirm to your highness and your excellency 
the necessity of designating at once a delegate to enter into relations on this subject 
with the committee to negotiate the question with you. 

I avail myself, etc. , B. J. de Cologan. 



[Inclosure 11.— Translation.] 

The Chinese plenipotentiaries to M. de Cologan. 

Peking, April (7), 1901. 

(Received April 5, 1901.) 
Your Excellency: On the 1st of April we had the honor to receive your excel- 
lency's dispatch wherein you requested us to at once designate a delegate to examine, 
with a commission named for that purpose by the representatives of the powers, the 
validity of deeds to real estate owned by Chinese within the limits of the future 



EEPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 241 

diplomatic quarter; that this commission and the delegates chosen would also have 
to fix the amount to be paid for the lots expropriated, etc. 

In reply we have the honor to inform your excellency that we have designated 
Jui Liang, secretary of the Tsung-li Yamen, and Lien Fang, a taotai awaiting selection 
for office, to confer with the commission named by the foreign representatives. As 
this matter concerns interests in the locality named, the gendarmerie and governor 
of Peking have also selected military and civil officers (the latter the magistrate of Ta 
Hsing district) to act with the above-named officers, in the hope that the matter may 
be well arranged on a proper basis. 

As in duty bound, we address this communication to your excellency, and beg that 
you will, in turn, make known its contents to the foreign representatives, so that 
they may act accordingly. 



Mr. Adee to Mr. Rockhill. 

No. 32.] Department of State, 

Washington, August 3, 1901. 
Sir: I have to aknowledge the receipt of your No. 116, of June 13 
last, transmitting copies of the correspondence exchanged between the 
representatives of the powers and the Chinese plenipotentiaries con- 
cerning the carrying out of the terms of Article VII of the joint note, 
providing for the erection of a defensible diplomatic quarter in Pekin 
within the limits of which the Chinese were not to reside. You request 
the views of the Department on the following points: 

1. Will the United States Government credit the Chinese Government on the 
amount of the indemnity with the amount paid by it to its expropriated subjects 
within our section of the quarter, or does it wish to buy directly from the owner? 

2. Does the Government wish that a formal cession should be made by China to 
it of the ground comprised in our section of the diplomatic quarter? 

3. What disposition do you wish made of the land within our section not necessary 
for legation purposes? 

Your dispatch speaks of " the legally vested rights of foreign private 
owners within the limits (of the legation) being of course recognized." 

The Department is not sure that it understands what " vested rights 
of foreign private owners" are referred to. If any such right had 
legally vested prior to the siege they should be respected, but Pekin 
not being a treaty port where foreigners might purchase land at will, 
the Department is in doubt whether the rights above mentioned are 
supposed rights of foreigners in land purchased during the siege of the 
legations. If such rights are meant the attitude of the Department 
in relation thereto is indicated in its previous instructions. 

Your dispatch states that — 

the Chinese Government has agreed to cede the rights of occupancy of all the ground 
owned by it or its subjects within the limits indicated to the powers collectively, to 
form a defensive diplomatic quarter, undertaking, furthermore, to compensate its 
subjects whom (whose property) it may have to expropriate for that purpose. 

Such agreement for compensation by the Chinese Government would 
exonerate this Government from such obligation, and no deduction on 
that account would need to be made from the indemnity agreed upon. 

In reading the inclosures with your dispatch the Department does 
not find any express undertaking by the Chinese Government to com- 
pensate its subjects whose property it may expropriate. While this 
demand was made by the foreign envoys, the answer does not appear 
to be fully responsive to the demand so as to constitute a clear accept- 
S. Doc. 67 16 



242 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 

ance, and its acceptance can only be deduced from the tenor of the 
notes preceding the dersand coupled with the answer thereto, and 
which, taken altogether, may perhaps be considered as a constrained 
acceptance. 

This is a question of agreement or of interpretation which should 
be settled by the envoys with the representatives of the Chinese Gov- 
ernment. If the cession of this property is made on the grounds 
asserted by the envoys, not as a conquest, but as a security against 
future attacks, it would seem to exclude the idea of reimbursing the 
Chinese Government, either for the cession of its property or for pay- 
ments made for the expropriation of the property of its subjects for 
such purpose. But if, on the other hand, the result of such interpreta- 
tion should be to leave incumbent upon the powers the duty of making 
compensation to China for sums paid by it for the expropriation of 
the property of its subjects, the amount thereof which would be pay- 
able to China on account of the cession of the property of its subjects 
to this Government may be credited on the share of the indemnity 
which would come to the United States, and the amount thus credited 
should, on final distribution by the United States, be deducted from 
the share which would come to it, as distinguished from and so as to 
leave unimpaired the share which comes to it in trust for private 
claimants. 

For the present no disposition should be made of any land "within 
our section not necessary for legation purposes." You may send a 
chart to the Department, showing the figure and area of the land above 
ceded as above indicated, and showing the portion and quantity thereof 
to be used for United States legation purposes, and showing the resi- 
due and its quantity available for other purposes. If the residue can 
properly and advantageously be used in connection with legation pur- 
poses it should be reserved for such uses, present or future. If not, 
and if it is proposed and there is an opportunity to make other dispo- 
sition of it, all the pertinent facts in connection with such disposition 
and use should be reported to the Department, to aid in its determina- 
tion of the question of the right and advisability of its disposition. 
The decision of this question may ultimately largely turn on the form 
of the instrument of cession. And it is advisable that the Chinese 
Government make a formal instrument of cession of rights of perpetual 
occupancy, in accordance with the tenor of the arrangement between 
its representatives and the envoys. The form of this instrument 
should be carefully guarded, to avoid hampering limitations and 
restrictions upon the disposition and uses of any of the property 
ceded. If the property is ceded for legation purposes purely it may 
raise a serious question as to the right of revision to the Chinese Gov- 
ernment, or of well-grounded interference by it with any attempt to 
make any disposition of the property foreign to the object of the 
cession. 

It would be more convenient for the Government of the United 
States to take title to all the property by direct grant from the Chi- 
nese Government, leaving to it the precedent duty of expropriating 
the propert} T of its subjects. This may be done unless it will conflict 
with the views and arrangements made by the envoys. 
1 am, sir, etc., 

Alvey A. Adee, 
Acting Secretary. 



REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 243 

Mr. Rockhill to Mr. Ray. 

No. 117.] Commissioner of the United States to China, 

Peking, China, Jwie 13, 1901. 

Sir: After telegraphing you on the 11th that it seemed highly prob- 
able that I could obtain as commercial compensations for agreeing to 
an increase of the tariff on imports to a 5 per cent effective — first, the 
revision of the tariff on imports with the substitution of specific for ad 
valorem duties; second, the participation by the Chinese Government 
in the work of improving the waterways leading to Shanghai and 
Tientsin; and, third, the revision of the regulations now in force gov- 
erning inland navigation by foreigners so as to allow shipping of all 
classes to engage in it — a communication was sent around to the for- 
eign representatives by the Russian minister, a translation of which I 
herewith inclose. In this he states that he will not agree to submit to 
his Government any proposition tending to secure the revision of the 
regulations concerning inland navigation by foreign shipping. 

In view of this declaration by Mr. De Giers, 1 again telegraphed you 

asking if I could accept the two other commercial compensations. 
* * * 

I am, etc. , W. W. Rockhill. 



[Inclosure.— Translation.] 

Imperial Legation op Russia, 

Peking, 11th June, 1901. 
Mr. Minister and Dear Colleague: As I declared to my honorable colleague in 
the meeting of this morning, my Government considers that it would be preferable 
to guarantee the payments of the Chinese debts by taxes and duties collected in the 
open ports, and particularly by the revenues of the customs, instead of having 
recourse to internal taxes, which might easily lead to an intervention in the internal 
administration of the Chinese Empire. 

Nevertheless, in view of the difficulty surrounding an increase of customs dues to 
10 per cent ad valorem, and with the object of bringing the question of indemnities 
to as prompt a settlement as possible, my Government has consented, as a concession 
on its part, to accept as a source of revenue the salt gabelle as it is in operation at 
present under Chinese administration, and. without any foreign control. 

I was happy to see the unanimity which the diplomatic corps was able to reach as 
to this source of revenue, as also on those derived from the native customs and the 
available balances of the maritime customs. Concerning these resources and the 
reservation made as to them, which I drew up in a special formula, agreement was 
reached ad referendum. 
As to the proposition of the German minister to add to these resources the increase 
! of the tariff on imports to a 5 per cent ad valorem effective, it would also have been 
accepted by the diplomatic corps if his excellency Mr. Rockhill had not laid down 
j conditions. These conditions present, in my point of view, the serious inconvenience 
of reopening discussion and provoking thereby loss of time, which my Government 
, had precisely in view to obviate when accepting the salt revenue as one of the sources 
I of payment. For that reason I did not think I could accept these conditions even 
ad referendum, holding that they ought to have been sufficient to secure the accept- 
ance of the increase of the customs tariff to 10 per cent. 
Nevertheless, as some of my honorable colleagues have shown insistence in the 
I matter, I will consent to submit to my Government, without in any way prejudicing 
its opinion, the two following points as conditions to the raising of the customs dues 
to 5 per cent effective: 

1. The transformation of all duties on imports actually levied ad valorem into 
! specific duties, the nomination of an international commission for that purpose, and, 

while waiting for the result of its work, the levying of ad valorem duties; and 

2. The improvement of the Peiho and Whangpoo rivers, with the financial partici- 
' pation of the Chinese Government. 



244 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 

But so as not to compromise the results already obtained, it is impossible for me to* 
submit to my Government, as a condition to the raisins: of the tariff to 5 per cent, 
the revision of the regulations of navigation on Chinese inland waters. 

Please accept, Mr. Minister and dear colleague, the assurances of my highest 
consideration. 

M. de Giers. 



Mr. Rockhill to Mr. Ray. 

No. 118.] Commissioner of the United States to China, 

Peking, China, June 15, 1901. 

Sir: The diplomatic corps resumed to-day the discussion of the 
question of the revenues to be assigned to the payments on indemni- 
ties, as to which a conclusion had not been reached at the last meeting, 
through my declining to accept fewer commercial compensations than 
those which I had reported you I had asked, in my dispatch No. 114 
of June 11, 1901. 

At to-day's meeting I informed the diplomatic corps that the United 
States accepted the proposal to raise the duties on imports to a 5 per 
cent ad valorem effective on condition of a revision of the tariff and 
substitution of specific for ad valorem duties and the improvement of 
the waterways leading to Shanghai and Tientsin. 

I likewise informed them that my Government, desirous of bring- 
ing to a prompt close the present negotiations, accepted the sum of 
450,000,000 taels as the final amount of the indemnity calculated to 
the 1st of July, and as a further manifestation of the earnestness of 
its desire to expedite negotiations it accepted also the 4 per cent 
instea.d of 3 per cent interest, which latter we had been advocating. 

From the remarks made during the exchange of views which fol- 
lowed, there can be no doubt that France and Russia accept the 
450,000,000 taels indemnity, although the representative of the latter 
power said that he had no definite instructions on the subject. 

The question of the mode of payment was then taken up — guaranteed 
loan or bonds. 

The Russian minister stated that his Government, although always 
partisan of an international guaranteed loan, would accept the decision 
reached by all the other powers. The French minister said he was 
authorized by his Government to accept one or the other of the two 
modes of payment above mentioned. 

The Japanese minister said that, if the system of a guaranteed loan 
was accepted, his Government would raise no objection to it, but if 
the payment was made by the issuance of bonds at 4 per cent interest 
Japan would incur a loss. The last Japanese loan placed on the Lon- 
don market was a 4 per cent one, and the bonds at the present time 
were quoted at 0.78. The Japanese minister said: 

Taking note, therefore, of the principle laid down in the fifth section of the report 
of the commission on indemnities, and believing it to be the intention of the powers 
that the actual expenditure incurred by each Government in the interest of all should 
be made good, it was his duty to declare that if the bonds were to bear intere-t at 4 
per cent nothing less than a capital sum which would yield interest equal to 5 per 
cent on the total amount of Japan's claims should be regarded as equivalent to such 
claims which were. calculated on the basis of immediate payment. 

All the other powers were unreservedly in favor of the issuance of 
bonds at par, bearing 4 per cent interest. 



REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 245 

Mr. Komura also remarked that the actual sum by which the face 
value of Japan's claim would have to be increased would be consider- 
ably less than 25 per cent of the whole amount, because amortization 
as well as interest on the sum so increased would be taken into account 
in making good the loss of 1 per cent which Japan would actually 
incur. 

The Russian minister remarked that the 4 per cent loans in his coun- 
try were some points below par, and that he could not therefore feel 
at all sure that his Government would accept the 4 per cent rate. 

On the whole, the discussion established the fact that the only serious 
objection to 4 per cent was that in the case of Japan. It was generally 
felt that Russia's present reserve in expressing itself definitely on the 
subject would not be maintained. 

The embarrassment of Japan is so real, and on the other hand, that 
country deserves so much the thanks of all the others for the prompt, 
efficient, and modest way in which it performed its work here last 
year, that I trust some means may be devised to prevent it sustaining 
any loss. 

* ****** 

I may add that during to-day's meeting, and also in one or two of 
those which have preceded it, the question of the currency in which 
the interest and amortization is to be paid was discussed. It is under- 
stood that the sum of 450,000,000 taels was only given to the Chinese 
as a convenient indication; that all the claims are in gold and payable 
in the currency of the country of the power claiming. The locality 
where the interest is to be paid has not yet been settled. There 
seems, however, to be a disposition to have these payments made at 
Shanghai. 

I am, etc., W. W. Rockhell. 



Mr. Eochhill to Mr. Ray. 

No. 119.] Commissioner of the United States to China, 

Peking \ China, June 18, 1901, 

Sir: In my dispatch No. 109, of the 6th instant, I transmitted to 3 r ou 
the correspondence exchanged between the representatives of the 
powers and the Chinese plenipotentiaries concerning the suspension of 
examinations. The only obstacle to a final and satisfactory settlement 
was, I therein stated, the question of the suspension of metropolitan 
examinations, which are always held in Peking. 

This obstacle has been removed by the publication of a decree of the 
Emperor suspending all examinations in Peking and in the metropoli- 
tan prefecture (Shun-t'ien Fu). I inclose a translation of a dispatch 
addressed by Prince Ching and Li Hung-chang to the doyen of the 
diplomatic corps, giving the text of the decree. 

I understand that it is the intention of the Chinese Government to 
hold the metropolitan examinations, during the time Peking is closed, 
in some provincial capital — preferable at K*ai-f eng Fu. 
I am, etc., 

W. W. Rockhill. 



246 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 

[Inclosure. — Translation.] 
The Chinese Plenipotentiaries to Mr. de Cologan. 

Peking, June 13, 1901. 

Your Excellency: We have the honor to inform your excellency that we have 
received a telegram from Si-an, announcing that on the 11th instant the grand secre- 
tariat received the following decree: 

"Prince Ching and Li Hung-chang memorialized Us to-day in regard to the 
demand of the foreign representatives that all official examinations — civil and mili- 
tary — shall be suspended for a period of five years in the towns where trouble 
occurred. The memorialists state that the examinations in Shun Tien Fu and Tai 
Yuan Fu must also be suspended. 

"The list gives the following places, and in these all examinations are to be sus- 
pended for five years. 

"Shansi: T'ai Yuan Fu, Hsin Chou, Tai Ku Hsien, Ta Tung Fu, Fen Chou Fu, 
Hsiao 1 Hsien, Ch'u Wo Hsien, Ta Ning Hsien, Ho Ching Hsien, Yueh Yang Hsien, 
Hsieh Ping Fu, Wen Shui Hsien, Shou Yang Hsien, Ping Yang Fu, Chang Tzu 
Hsien, Kao Ping Hsien, Tse Chou Fu, Hsi Chou, Chiang Chou, Kuei Hua Cheng, 
and Sui Yuan Cheng. 

"Honan: Nan Yang Fu, Ho Nei Hsien, Cheng Chou, Kuang Chou, and Chen 
Chou. 

"Chekiang: Chii Chou Fu. 

" Chihli: Peking, Shun Tien Fu, Pao Ting Fu, Yung Ching Hsien, Tien Ching Fu, 
Shun-Te Fu, Wang Tu Hsien, Huo Lu Hsien, Hsin An Hsien, Tung Chou, Wu I 
Hsien, Ching Chou, and Luan Ping Hsien. 

" Eastern Manchurian provinces: Mukden, Chia Tzu Chang, Lien Shan, Yu Ching 
Chieh, Pei Lin Tzu, and Hu Lan Cheng. 

" Shensi: Nin Chiang Chou. 

" Kiang si: Po Yang Hsien. 

"Hunan: Heng Chou Fu. 

"Let the viceroys and governors of the above-mentioned provinces, as well as the 
literary chancelors, act in accordance with and obey the terms of this decree and 
put out proclamations for general information." 

As in duty bound, we send this communication, embodying the above decree, to 
your excellency, and will thank you to communicate the same for the information of 
your colleagues. 



Mr. Rockhill to Mr. Hau. 

No. 120.] Commissioner of the United States to China, 

Peking, China, June 19, 1901. 

Sir: At the meeting of the diplomatic corps held to-day the Russian 
minister stated that he had received instructions authorizing him to 
accept the 1st of July as limitation of the indemnity to be demanded 
of China. He also accepted, in principle, the sum of 450,000,000 taels, 
although his Government had invariably, in its instructions to him, 
referred to the sum of seventeen hundred millions of francs. 

The French minister made a similar declaration as to the limitation 
of the indemnity. 

The Japanese minister said that his Government accepted the date 
stated, and also the sum of 450,000,000 taels and 4 per cent interest, 
subject to the reservation made by him at the last meeting, which 1 
reported to you in my No. 118, of the 15th instant. 

In my No. 114, of the 11th instant, I stated that the Russian minister 
submitted a proposal concerning the eventual increase of the tariff on 
imports to 10 per cent, and that in view of the terms of the second 
paragraph, which reserved all rights and insured the consideration of 
all objections of whatever nature, it had been accepted by all the 



REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 24? 

representatives — the British included. I did not deem it necessary to 
telegraph you on the subject, and most of my colleagues, 1 think, 
looked on it as a matter of small importance; the German and Japa- 
nese ministers certainly did. 

We considered it a compensation due Russia and France, who saw 
in the acceptance of their proposal a moral obligation giving additional 
security for the arrangement being made, for their willingness to 
accept bonds in lieu of the guaranteed loan they had so strongly urged 
until now, and the gabelle in place of an increase of the tariff to 10 
per cent. 

To-day, however, the British minister informed the diplomatic corps 
that his Government declared it could not accept an eventual increase 
of the tariff above 5 per cent, to be solely applied to the payment of 
interest on the indemnities, for it held that this increase should be 
granted China as compensation for the suppression of likin, and for 
the correction of other commercial grievances; that this increase should 
be made revocable, as in the case of opium under the Hongkong agree- 
ment, etc. 

The necessity or expediency of making this declaration at the present 
time is not apparent. The British minister had stated in the meeting 
on the 11th instant that his Government would ask the abolition of 
likin and other compensations for an increase of the tariff to 10 per 
cent, and my reservations had covered much the same ground. 

The Russian minister stated that his Government had only accepted 
applying the revenues from salt to the payment of the loans, agreed 
to accept bonds in lieu of a guaranteed loan, and to the commercial 
compensations which I had insisted upon, as an evidence of its earnest 
desire to close this phase of the negotiations; that the British Govern- 
ment's refusal to agree to the slight moral guarant} 7 which Russia 
found in the proposal to apply the eventual increased revenue from the 
customs to the purposes of the loan might reopen the whole question. 

The British statement did not secure the support of any of the rep- 
resentatives. I trust it will not occasion any considerable delay, but 
in view of the possibility of its doing so I thought best to cable you. 



I am, etc., 



W. W. Rockhill. 



Mr. Rockhill to Mr. Ray. 



No. 121.] Commissioner of the United States to China, 

Peking, China, June %<2, 1901. 

Sir: I have the honor to inclose herewith for your information 
translation of a communication addressed to Sir Ernest Satow by the 
Chinese plenipotentiaries, in which the latter state their intention to 
bring some 3,000 troops to Peking to take over the policing of the city. 
An identical communication was sent to the ministers of the other 
powers having troops in this province. 

I also inclose copy of the reply of the diplomatic corps to the com- 
munication cited, informing the Chinese plenipotentiaries that, until 
further orders, no Chinese troops can be allowed to advance toward 
Peking. 

At the present time the actual work of policing the city is in the 



248 EEPOET OF COMMISSIONEK TO CHINA. 

hands of the Chinese authorities, subject to the control of the various 
military commanders, and it would seem that this was the better method 
of managing this work until the complete evacuation of the capital by 
the foreign soldiery. 

I am, etc., W. W. Rockhlll. 



[Inclosure No. 1.— Translation.] 
The Chinese, plenipotentiaries to Sir Ernest Satow. 

Peking, June 17, 1901. 

The allied forces are about to be gradually withdrawn from Peking, and as the place 
will then be empty of troops we have memorialized the throne asking for the trans- 
fer to Peking of General Chiang Kuei-ti and 3,000 troops, infantry, cavalry, and artil- 
lery, from the governor of Shantung's command, to take over the policing of the 
city. Yesterday we addressed a communication to the doyen of the diplomatic body, 
stating this and requesting his excellency to inform the diplomatic representatives in 
order that instructions might be sent to the allied commanders along the route (of the 
Shantung troops) not to hinder their approach. These troops are now at Ho-chien 
Fu, and it is proposed that they shall proceed via Kao-yang to Paoting, and then take 
the railway to Peking, where (it is proposed) to station them in two places, both of 
which are to be in the quarter administered by Japan and are not occupied by 
Japanese or other foreign troops. These two places are the empty inclosures for- 
merly occupied by the Shen Chi Ying ( Pekin field force) in the Pei hsiao Chieh (North 
Small street) off the Tung-Chih men main road, and Shih-hu hu-tung (Stone Tiger 
lane) off the T6-sheng men main road. 

We have the honor accordingly to inform your excellency and to express an earnest 
hope that you will confer with your colleagues at an early date and favor us with a 
reply as soon as possible, in order that we may send a dispatch to General Chiang 
instructing him to set his forces in motion, and that we may fix definitely with the 
railway company the date of the required trains. 



[Inclosure No. 2.— Translation.] 

Mr. de Cologan to the Chinese plenipotentiaries. 

Peki 
Your Highness and Your Excellency: I have the honor to acknowledge the 

receipt of your letter dated June 17, informing me that the Emperor had ordered sent 

from Shantung Gen. Chiang Kuei-ti with the 3,000 soldiers, which he commands, to 

encamp them on the territory of the capital. 
You add that the corps has already commenced its march, that it is at present at 

Ho-chien Fu, and that you have the intention to have it advance still farther. 
In reply to this communication I have the honor to inform you, in the name of the 

diplomatic corps, that until new orders, no movement of Chinese troops can be made 

toward the capital. 

I have, etc., B. J. de Cologan. 



Mr. Rockhill to Mr. Hay. 

No. 122.] Commissioner of the United States to China, 

Peking, China, June ##, 1901. 
Sir: I have the honor to inclose herewith for your information copy 
of the proceedings of an international committee assembled at Shan- 
haikwan on the 3d instant, by order of His Excellency Field Marshal 
Count von Waldersee, to consider the definite allotment of land, forts, 
and buildings at that place to the allied troops that will form the semi- 
permanent garrison of the town. 

I am, etc., W. W. Kockhill. 



REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 249 

[Inclosure No. 1.] 

Headquarters Staff Officer British Contingent, 

China Field Force, 
June 10, 1901. (Received June 12, 1901. ) 
To the general officer commanding French expeditionary corps, general officer commanding 
Imperial German troops, general officer commanding Imperial Japanese troops, officer 
commanding Italian troops, officer commanding Austrian troops, officer commanding 
Russian troops. 

Sir: I have the honor to forward for your excellency's information the inclosed 
copy of the proceedings of an international committee assembled at Shanhaikwan on 
the 3d instant by order of His Excellency Field Marshal Count von Waldersee to 
consider the definite allotment of land, forts, and buildings at that place to the 
allied troops that will form the semipermanent garrison of the town. 

2. I presume that your excellency concurs in the recommendations of the commit- 
tee, which seem to me most logical and sensible, and I suggest that early orders be 
given for carrying them into effect, with a view to the early reduction of the forces 
at Shanhaikwan to the strengths agreed upon for the transition period. 
I have, etc., 

* Alfred Gaselee, 

IAeutenant- General, Commanding British Contingent, China Field Force. 



Proceedings of a committee assembled at Shanhaikwan by order of Field Marshal Count 
von Waldersee, dated June 3, 1901. 

The following were present: Germany, Colonel von Bosse; Austria, Lieutenant 
Demeter; France, Colonel Pares; Great Britain, Maj. Gen. A. J. F. Reid, C. B.; 
Italy, Captain Dentice; Japan, Colonel Watanabe; Russia, Colonel Glinsky. 

Major-General Reid as senior officer present presides. 

The attached note, marked "A," is laid before the committee, who proceeded to 
consider the points therein detailed. 

(1) Forts. — It was agreed that the forts should be redistributed as under, the 
parade grounds going with the forts: Fort 1, Great Baitain; Fort 2, Germany (small 
guard), Austria, and Italy; Fort 3, France; Fort 4, Japan; Fort 5, Russia. 

The representatives of France and Russia opposed this. General Pares objects on 
the grounds that the instructions of General Voyron do not permit him to change 
any orders made by the admirals. Colonel Glinsky refuses to vote, as he considers 
that the instructions he has received from Count von Waldersee in his letter do not 
refer to the redivision of the forts. 

(2) Buildings. — The nationalities named below wished to reserve the buildings 
entered against their names. 

Germany: The two yamen near the beach and the ground adjoining them, between 
the two roads to the north, to a depth of 430 yards; the present horse run and flags 
to the south being removed. 

Austria: Nil. 

France: All the buildings they now occupy, and a house near the railway station. 

Great Britain. The headquarters yamen and any buildings near the railway station 
required for the protection of the railway. 

Italy: Thep ortion of the village to the east of the road near Fort 2 now occupied 
by the Japanese, and one house they now occupy near the railway station. 

Japan : The buildings they now use for their commissariat near the south gate of the 
city, the village near the searchlight on the great wall, and the west portion of the 
village Italy now proposes to occupy. 

Russia: The joss house near the beach below Fort 1 and the camp now occupied by 
their artillery. 

The above proposals were accepted unanimously. 

(3) Lands. — It was agreed that no nationality is to construct any buildings at a 
distance of more than 200 yards from the wall of any fort or yamen occupied by them. 
When the buildings of any two nationalities are less than 400 yards apart, then the 
dividing line will lie halfway between the two buildings. In the case of No. 1 fort, 
the building rights go with the fort and not with the Russian yamen. Colonels Glin- 
sky and Pares dissent with the last point only for the reasons given in clause 1. 

(4) Allotment. — Three piers have already been built by each and foreshore — the. 
Russians, Germans, and British, respectively. It was agreed that any nation may land 
stores on the beach whenever it pleases, but that for stocking goods, while the mili- 



250 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 

tary occupation lasts, the land to the distance of 100 yards from the shore be allotted 
on the following frontage: 

Russia: One hundred yards to the east of the Russian pier to 50 yards to the west 
of the same. 

Austria: A frontage of 50 yards from the west of the Russian portion. 

France: A frontage of 85 yards from the west of the Austrian limit. 

Germany: From the west of the French limit to the 'west of the German pier. 

Japan: From the west of the German pier to 25 yards east of halfway to the British 
pier. 

Italy: From the west of the Japanese limit, with a frontage of 50 yards. 

Great Britain: From the west of the Italian limit to 50 yards to the west of the 
British pier. 

The limits to be shown by landmarks and not flags. No buildings except guard- 
rooms, small store, and bathing sheds may be erected. With the foregoing excep- 
tions, no other buildings are to be constructed on the sea front south of an imaginary 
line joining the front of the three yam ens. 

(5) Miscellaneous. — It was unanimously agreed that all flags be removed, except on 
the forts and buildings occupied by troops, railway buildings and stations, piers and 
the beach, for the purpose of aiding navigation. 

That rifle ranges may only be constructed to the east of the Great Wall and the 
west of the main creek near Fort Count von Waldersee, firing toward the sea in both 
cases, or to the north of the city, firing toward the hills. No rifle range may be 
taken into use until approved by the senior officer of the troops. 

The repair of roads according to the attached map marked B is unanimously 
agreed to. 

The guards over the city gates to remain until there is a properly constructed 
government. 

(6) It was agreed that the above clauses are to come into effect from the date of 
receiving the sanction of His Excellency Count von Waldersee and the concurrence 
of General Voyron. 

Germany: Colonel von Bosse. 

Austria: Lieutenant Demeter. 

France: Colonel Pares. 

Great Britain: A. J. F. Reid, Major- General, President. 

Italy: Captain Dentice. 

Japan: Colonel Watansbe. 

Russia: Colonel Glinsky. 

{A.) ' 
[Note for committee.] 

1. The semipermanent garrison — that is to say, the garrison of the allied troops 
that will remain at Shanhaikwan and Chingwangtao until such times as the allied 
powers agree to its withdrawal — will be about 1,500 men, Germany, France, Great 
Britain, Japan, and Russia each giving about 300 men. Italy will also leave a small 
guard (150 men) and Austria 30 men. 

2. The committee is to consider — 

(a) What forts, buildings, and lands at Shanhaikwan are required and should be 
retained for the above garrisons. 

(6) How the foreshore and beach at Shanhaikwan should be allotted. 

(c) Any other point which may be brought up by any member of the committee. 

5. It has been decided by Field Marshal Count von Waldersee, with the concur- 
rence of the general in chief command of the French troops, that senior officer present 
at this committee should act as president; that all questions should be decided by a 
majority of votes, and that all decisions thus arrived at be considered as binding and 
final. 



Mr. Eochhill to Mr. Hay. 

No. 123.] Commissioner of the United States to China, 

Peking, China, June 22, 1901. 
Sir: For your information in connection with nay No. 118 of the 
15th instant* and in view of the possibility of some action being taken 
by the representatives of the powers to secure Japan against loss in 



REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 251 

the settlement of her claims against China, I have the honor to inclose 
herewith a copy of the formal memorandum sent to the diplomatic 
body yesterday by the Japanese minister, showing that the actual rate 
of interest on Japanese 4 per cent bonds, both at home and abroad, is 
above 5 per cent, and that she will suffer a loss of at least 1 per cent 
in the interest on her claim by accepting Chinese bonds bearing 
interest at 4 per cent. 

I am, etc., W. W. Rockhill. 



[Inclosure. — Memorandum.] 

Legation of Japan in China, 

Peking, June 21, 1901. 

According to the information in my possession, the average quotation in London 
of Japanese 4 per cent bonds for the last five months was 79.18 per cent, and since 
the 8th of May it has been invariably below 78 per cent. The current quotation in 
Tokio of Japanese 5 per cent bonds is 86.20 per cent, so that the actual rate of interest 
on Japanese bonds is above 5 per cent both at home and abroad. 

Japan's claims for indemnity having been calculated on the basis of immediate pay- 
ment, if she is to receive Chinese bonds bearing interest at 4 per cent she will actually 
suffer a loss of at least 1 per cent in the interest on her claims, which amounts to 
50,074,000 yen up to the 1st of July. Consequently, if Japan's claims are paid at 
once, they are 50,074,000 yen, but if paid on 4 per cent bonds with the system of 
amortization adopted by the corps diplomatique, they are 57,942,247 yen — that is to 
say, an increase of 15.713 per cent of the original claims, which is 7,868,247 yen, 
equivalent to 5,590,389 Haikwan taels at the rate of Haikwan tael 0.7105 for 1 yen. 

KOMURA. 



Mr. Rockhill to Mr. Hay. 

No. 124.] Commissioner of the United States to China, 

Peking, China, June &4? 1901. 

Sir: For your further information in connection with my No. 122 
of the 22d instant, regarding the military occupation of Shanhaikwan, 
I inclose herewith translation of a declaration of the Russian military 
agent in China, reserving to his Government the right of having as 
Russia's quota of the garrison at Shanhaikwan as large a number of 
troops as she may deem necessary to discharge the duties devolving 
upon her. 

This document should have accompanied my previous dispatch on 
the subject. 

I am, etc., W. W. Rockhill. 



[Inclosure.— Translation.] 

General de Wogack to Count von Waldersee. 

Military Agent in China, 

Port Arthur, May 16, 1901. 

Excellency: I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of your letter dated the 3d 
of May. 

While agreeing perfectly with all the other decisions taken at the conference of the 
commanders of the allied contingents, held on the 29th of April under your high presi- 
dency and at which I had the great regret of not being able to be present for reasons 
beyond my control, I can not, according to my instructions, accept as definitely 
decided the resolution fixing the garrison of Shanhaikwan at 1,500 men furnished by 
five of the allied powers, Including Russia. 



252 KEPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 

As Russia has at present to insure protection of the railway line from Shanhaikwan 
to Niuchwang (Yinkow) and toward Hsinminting, she is, through that fact, in a pecu- 
liar position, as a result of which it may happen that she may deem it necessary to 
have at Shanhaikwan a stronger garrison than that indicated so as to be able to 
effectively insure security of the head of this railway line; and for that reason the 
declares to reserve to herself full liberty to fix the number of her proportion of the 
garrison of Shanhaikwan to the strength which she may deem necessary to discharge 
the duties devolving upon her. 

Please accept, Monsieur le Marechal, the assurance of my very high consideration. 

Wogack, Major- General. 

Mr. Bockhill to Mr. Hay. 

No. 125.] Commissioner of the United States to China, 

Peking* China, June #5, 1901. 

Sir: Article XI of the Joint Note of the 22d of December last stipu 
lates that " The Chinese Government agrees to negotiate the amendments 
deemed necessary by the foreign governments to the treaties concern- 
ing commerce and navigation and other subjects touching commercial 
relations, with the object of facilitating them.-' 

Throughout the present negotiations the representatives of the pow 
ers have deemed it advisable not to broach commercial questions, reserv- 
ing their consideration until after the final settlement of the other 
articles of the Joint Note. The only exception which has been made 
was the agreement, which I secured during the recent discussions con- 
cerning the revenues to be used by China in the payment of interest 
on indemnities, to ask of China, in consideration of the increase of the 
tariff on imports to an effective 5 per cent, that the Chinese Govern- 
ment should undertake the improvement of the waterways leading to 
Shanghai and Tientsin, and also revise the customs tariff on imports. 

All of my colleagues are of opinion that any negotiations on com- 
mercial subjects must be deferred until next winter at least, and many 
of them think it will be quite impracticable for all the powers to nego- 
tiate jointly on these subjects with the Chinese Government, most of 
them believing that if such a plan were adopted negotiations would be 
greatly protracted and probably no practical results obtained. 

Most of the obstacles to trade, of which the American as well as 
other foreign merchants in China complain, are so intimately connected 
with the question of inland taxation that unless some method can be 
devise'd for either abolishing the inland tax or regulating it more satis- 
factorily than at present, it seems to me improbable that any great 
results can be expected from a revision of our commercial treaties. 

Forseeing this difficulty to future negotiations, my Japanese col- 
league and I submitted to the diplomatic corps the memorandum, copy 
of which I sent you in my No. 114, of the 11th instant, advocating a 
raising of the tariff on imports to 10 per cent with compensating commer- 
cial advantages. It is a matter of great regret that the opposition of the 
British representative here prevented its discussion, for it was, in its 
general line, acceptable to the Chinese Government and, I believe, 
might have secured promptly to foreign commerce more advantages 
than it seems likely to gain for some years to come, if the plan of 
jointly negotiating treaty revision is carried out. 

In your dispatch No. 20, of April 11 last, you outlined the views of 
the United States concerning treaty revision. As instructed by you, 
I have sounded my colleagues on the views contained in the instruc- 
tion cited, and while many of the points you mention therein are in 
entire agreement with the instructions they have from their own gov- 



REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 253 

ernments and coincide with their own views, others, they are inclined to 
think, are of doubtful expedience, or impracticable. Among these 
latter I may mention the throwing open of the whole of China to for- 
eign residence and trade, and the provision that the principal com- 
mercial powers should have advisory representation in the customs 
administration. The extraterritorial rights of foreigners would create 
endless difficulties to China and the powers if foreigners of all classes 
were given a free run all over the Empire. This is but one objection to 
the proposal; there are others of a political character, perhaps even 
more serious, ***** 

As regards the proposal that the principal commercial powers shall 
have advisory representation in the customs administration, it is 
claimed, and I think rightly, by my colleagues that it would be impos- 
sible to exclude any of the powers from such representation and, 
further, such representation would result in bringing about just what 
all of the powers have been seeking to prevent, i. e. , direct interna- 
tional interference in the financial administration of the Empire. 

As to your suggestion that some of the articles on the tariff of 
imports be subjected to a duty as high as 15 per cent, this will also be 
strongly objected to, especially by the Japanese, who will not, I have 
been repeatedly told, agree to any raising of the Chinese tariff above 
10 per cent, which is practically all that Japan has been able to secure 
for herself under her recently negotiated treaties. 

All of my colleagues approve, in principle, of the suggestion made 
by you "that the farming of China's revenues should be restricted, if 
not wholly discontinued, and a uniform and honest Imperial fiscal sys- 
tem substituted;" but, while deeming it highly advantageous to China, 
as well as to foreign interests in China, they are of opinion that it 
must be the gradual outcome of general reform of the Empire, which 
we all hope for, but which few, if any, of us will live to see carried 
through, if present indications are not absolutely misleading. 
I am, etc., 

W. W. Rockhill. 

Mr. Rockhill to Mr. Hay. 

No. 127.] Commissioner of the United States to China, 

Peking, China, June #7, 1901. 

Sir: The extraordinary mission to Berlin, to express the regrets 
of the Emperor of China for the assassination of the former German 
minister here, provided for in article 1 of the Joint Note of December 22 
last, expects to sail from Shanghai for Germany on or about July 20, 
1901. It is led by the brother of the Emperor, Prince Chun, and 
consists, all told, of some 40 persons. I am informed that after the 
completion of its official business, the mission is likely to return to 
China via the United States and Japan, and a stay of a fortnight, or 
more, is contemplated in the former country. 

Article III of the Joint Note provides for reparation being made by 
the Chinese Government to that of Japan for the assassination of the 
chancellor of its legation here. A high Manchu official, Na Tung 
by name, a former minister of the Tsungli Yamen, and a vice-presi- 
dent of the Board of revenue, will go to Japan during the month of 
August to express to the Japanese Government the regrets of the 
Empire of China for the murder. 

I am, etc., • W. W. Rockhill. 



254 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 

Mr. Rochhill to Mr. Hay. 

No. 128.] Commissioner of the United States to China, 

Peking, China, July 3, 1901. 

Sir: In my dispatch No. 55, dated March 24 last, I informed you 
that in view of certain opposition on the part of some of my colleagues, 
and disinclination on the part of the Chinese plenipotentiaries to take 
up at that time the question of the rehabilitation of Chang Yin-huan, 
I would reserve to a more propitious moment the endeavor to carry 
out your instructions in the matter. 

On Saturday of last week, while calling on the viceroy, Li Hung- 
chang, I referred to your instructions concerning Chang Yin-huan 
and expressed the hope that the Imperial Government would perform 
the act of justice the United States wished to see done. I stated to the 
Viceroy that if Prince Ching and he would memorialize the Throne on 
the request of the United States alone in the matter, I would be much 
pleased. * * * . . 

The Viceroy stated that although he and Prince Ching personally 
would be quite willing to urge the matter on the single representation 
of the United States, he thought their memorial might be more promptly 
complied with if Great Britain, whom he knew was also interested in 
the case of Chang Yin-huan, addressed a request similar to the one I 
proposed making. Although the Viceroy did not commit himself in 
expressing an opinion as to the probable outcome of the representa- 
tions which he agreed to make the Emperor in the matter, I am led 
to believe that some action will be taken; probably, however, no post- 
humous honors will be granted to Chang Yin-huan, but his name will 
be cleared of the crimes which now tarnish it. 

I inclose herewith copies of the notes sent by the British minister 
and myself to the Chinese plenipotentiaries on this subject. 
I am, etc., 

W. W. ROCKHILL. 



[Inclosure No. 1 in dispatch No. 128. — Translation.] 
Mr. Rockhill to the Chinese plenipotentiaries. 

Peking, July 2, 1901. 

Highness, Excellency: Among the high Chinese officials who lost their lives dur- 
ing the troubles of the last year was Chang Yin-huan, who was decapitated in July 
last while in exile in Turkestan. 

Chang Yin-huan was Chinese minister to the United States from 1885 to 1889 and 
during his stay in the United States won the respect and affection of all with whom 
he came into contact, whether officially or socially, and did much to strengthen and 
render more close the friendly relations between our countries. 
• Although his death occurred eleven years after his departure from America the 
news was received at Washington with sincere sorrow, and the Government of the 
United States felt that it had lost a friend and China a servant of commanding ability. 

Confident in the belief that his Imperial Majesty, the Emperor of China, must be 
desirous of performing an act of justice to the memory of one who served him so long 
and so well and whose sudden execution can not be explained except as instancing 
further proof of the excitement of the times, the President of the United States has 
instructed me to request your highness and your excellency to memorialize the 
Throne to the end that all the marks against the name of Chang Yin-huan be removed 
and posthumous honors be conferred upon him. The Government and people of the 
United States of America will see in the performance of this act by China a further 
proof of the spirit of friendliness and justice which has always marked the inter- 
course between the two countries. 
I avail myself, etc., 

W. W. Rockhill. 



REPOET OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 255 

[Inclosure No. 2 in dispatch No. 128.— Translation.] 

Sir Ernest Satow to the Chinese plenipotentiaries. 

His Britannic Majesty's Legation, 

Peking, July 2, 1901. 
Your Highness and Your Excellency: I feel that it is my duty to bring to the 
notice of your highness and' your excellency the case of Chang Yin-huan, formerly 
minister in the tsung-li yamen, who was decapitated last July while in exile in the 
New Dominion. 

Chang Yin-huan was well known to His Britannic Majesty's Government, and 
was held in esteem by my predecessors, Sir N. R. O'Connor and Sir C. McDonald. 
He was sent as special ambassador to England on the occasion of the diamond jubilee 
of the late Queen Victoria, and he received the grand cross of a high order from Her 
Britannic Majesty's Government. Moreover, it was generally felt at the time of his 
exile that he was more unfortunate than culpable, and it was fully expected that His 
Imperial Majesty, the Emperor, would see fit in the course of time to restore him to 
rank and favor. His execution in a time of disorder, and after he had, in a measure, 
* expiated his original fault, has been the source of sincere sorrow to all those in Eng- 
land who knew him. 

I am sure that His Imperial Majesty, the Emperor, can only desire that justice" be 
done to the memory of an old and faithful servant, and I would therefore request your 
highness and your excellency to memorialize the Throne in order that Chang Yin- 
huan' s record may be cleared and his honors restored. Such an act of grace will be 
thoroughly appreciated by the people and Government of Great Britain. 
I avail myself, etc. , 

Ernest Satow. 



Mr. Rockhill to Mr. Bay. 

No. 129.] Commissioner of the United States to China, 

Peking, China. July 3, 1901. 

Sir: The diplomatic corps held a meeting to-day to consider (1) a 
new plan of amortization "of the indemnity debts, (2) the proposition 
submitted by me on the 8th of June last that further negotiations con- 
cerning the settlement of the indemnities should be transferred to The 
Hague tribunal, and (3) the transfer of the local administration of 
Peking to the Chinese authorities, and other pending questions. 

The amortization scheme and the details given by the German 
minister concerning it will shortly be printed, and I will transmit 
copies to you as soon as received. 

It was agreed that the Chinese plenipotentiaries should be informed 
that their troops could approach to within 20 li of Peking, but the date 
on which said troops would be allowed to enter the city was not stated. 
It will, I suppose, be only after the evacuation by the expeditionary 
forces. It was also agreed to issue a proclamation in the name of the 
powers reciting the events which have brought about the occupation 
by the foreign forces of the province, and the conditions under which 
they now evacuate it. 

The Russian minister stated that his Government accepted the two 
commercial compensations asked for by me in consideration of our 
agreeing to the raising of the tariff on imports to 5 per cent effective; 
it also accepted as a mode of pa}^ment of the indemnity 4 per cent 
bonds at par, but on condition that all the powers did likewise; if any 
power asked special advantages for itself his Government would also 
ask for them. This latter, of course, refers to the reservation made 
by the Japanese Government concerning its inability to accept without 
a loss 4 per cent bonds at par. The objections of the Japanese Govern- 
ment were communicated to you in my No. 123, of the 22d ultimo. 






256 REPOKT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 

The question of the currency in which the indemnity is to be asked 
of China was then taken up. Most of the representatives have formal 
instructions to insist that the bonds given them shall be in the gold 
currency of their respective countries. This, of course, will be impos- 
sible, as the indemnity is to be asked without details or explanations. 
It seems to me that it should be calculated in Haikwan taels at a rate 
to be determined. 

The question of the payment of private claims was then considered. 
The German representative was in favor of China contracting a special 
loan for this purpose, so that they could be paid off immediately in 
cash, as his Government had informed him that it could not undertake 
to negotiate the bonds paid it on account of private claims. This 
scheme did not meet with general favor. I stated that the United 
States would see to the pa} T ment of the claims of its own citizens out 
of the amount paid it as an indemnity by China. The French minister 
made a similar declaration. 

I then stated to the diplomatic corps that nearly a month ago I 
suggested to them the advisability of transferring future negotiations 
concerning the indemnity to The Hague tribunal; that to enable them 
to get instructions from their Governments regarding the matter I 
had not formally called the matter up since the 8th of June, and I 
trusted they were now in a position to give me their views on the 
subject, so I could communicate them to my Government. I referred 
to the difficulties which still beset our way; the fact that we had not 
as yet reached even a formal agreement as to the amount of the 
indemnity to be asked of China; that the question of interest also 
divided us, and that innumerable questions were cropping up daily, 
all of which tended to demonstrate that the suggestion made by the 
United States was probably the only one which could insure a settle- 
ment of this complicated matter. I said that my Government was 
willing and desirous that either the whole question should be submitted 
to The Hague tribunal, or, in case that could not be agreed upon, 
such portions thereof as it seemed impossible to settle here. 

1 was surprised to find that, with the exception of the British minis- 
ter, none of the representatives were in a position to speak on the 
subject. I stated that the proposal of the United States was not a new 
one, that it had been before the conference for five months, and that 
I anticipated that it had received due consideration. I shall avail 
myself of any opportunity which may hereafter present itself to bring 
the subject again before them. 

The-British minister said that he had received instructions on the 
subject from his Government, but as his colleagues had not heard from 
theirs, he would communicate his to me privately. In substance the 
British Government deems it either too late to submit many of the 
questions connected with the indemnity to arbitration, or is assured 
that such reference will be opposed by some of the other powers. It 
thinks, however, that the matter of the distribution of the indemnity 
might properly be submitted to The Hague conference. 

The opposition of the British Government to the Russian proposal 
that the tariff on imports should be raised in the event of payments on 
account of the indemnity not being regularly made still blocks the 
way to Russia's acceptance of 450,000,000 taels as the lump sum to be 
asked of China, and also to her agreeing to the revenues to be assigned 



REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 257 

for the purposes of payment on account of interest. How long this 
difficulty may last I have no means of knowing. * * * 

Altogether, the present outlook for a prompt solution of the indem- 
nity and financial questions is not by any means as bright as it was 
when I telegraphed you on the 15th of last month. 

* * * * * * * 

I am, etc., 

W. W. Rockhell. 



Mr. BockhiU to Mr. Ray. 

No. 130.] Commissioner of the United States to China, 

Peking, China, July 8, 1901. 

Sir: I have the honor to transmit herewith, for the information of 
the Department, certain correspondence concerning the further im- 
provement of the water approaches to Tientsin. This matter was first 
brought to the attention of the Department hj Mr. Denby in his dis- 
patch No. 2715, of March 19, 1897. The greater part of the works 
undertaken in 1898 were destroyed during the troubles of last year, but 
the benefits derived from them by Tientsin, and the possibility of im- 
proving the approaches to that city so that steamships might come up 
to it, as they did prior to 1886, have encouraged the foreign commu- 
nity to hope that by promptly and energetically prosecuting the works 
already begun the desired results might be readily obtained. Inclo- 
sures 1, 4, and 15 give a concise history of what has been done in the 
past and what it is now proposed to do. 

In 1898 it was agreed by the foreign community to contribute, as 
its proportion of the fund necessary for the conservancy works, a 
municipal or river tax of 1 per cent on all duties payable on merchan- 
dise landed, and a loan of 150,000 taels at 6 per cent was contracted 
on that security. The chamber of commerce of Tientsin, in its com- 
munication of March 2 to the consular corps (inclosure No. 3), now 
suggests that this river due be doubled, and that the period of collec- 
tion be extended to the year 1925. It is estimated that this tax will 
yield about 42,000 taels per annum, which sum will be sufficient for 
the payment of the interest and amortization on the 1898 loan which 
is to be extinguished in 1909, and of which 130,000 taels remain out- 
standing; also for the new 7 per cent loan of 300,000 taels which it is 
proposed to contract. 

The total cost of the works to be executed is roughly estimated at 
500,000 taels. The Provisional Government of Tientsin will tempo- 
rarily contribute a monthly subsidy of 5,000 taels for current expenses 
until the loan can be made, and are willing to assume one-half the 
expenses of the work to be undertaken. The new committee for the 
preservation and navigation of the Peiho was, after some discussion 
between the diplomatic and consular corps on one side and the foreign 
military authorities on the other, finally organized, and on June 11 
commenced the discharge of its duties. (Inclosure No. 11.) 

The proposal of the chamber of commerce, that the river due should 
be increased to 2 per cent, was submitted by the senior consul at Tien- 
tsin to the diplomatic corps in his letter of June 20 (inclosure No. 13) 
and was duly approved by the latter on the 3d instant. 
S. Doc. 67 17 



258 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 

Although without definite instructions on the subject, I did not hes- 
itate to agree to this slight increase, in view of the Department's pre- 
vious instructions to Mr. Denby when he approved the tax of 1 per 
cent for the same purpose. The Secretary of State then wrote Mr. 
Denby, in reply to the latter's No. 2911, of April 13, 1898, approving 
his action, "the proposed tax appearing to be proper in principle and 
not enormous in amount." (Mr. Day to Mr. Denby, No. 1591, of May 
27, 1898.) 

The continuance of the financial aid of the Chinese Government 
after the dissolution of the Provisional Government at Tientsin will be 
insured by the provision to be inserted in the agreement to be made 
with it regarding the financial measures to be taken for the payment 
of the indemnity, wherein it will be stated that in consideration of the 
raising of the tariff to 5 per cent, effective on imports, China will par- 
ticipate financially in the improvement of the Peiho and Whangpu 
rivers. 

I am, etc., W. W. Rockhill. 



[Inclosure 1.] 
Tientsin General Chamber of Commerce to Dean of consular corps. 

Tientsin, February 13, 1901. 

Sir: By desire of the committee of this chamber, I have the honor to address you 
on the subject of the further improvement of the water approaches to these settle- 
ments and the native city. 

It seems to be generally admitted that the works already carried out by Mr. De 
Linde have proved of very material advantage, and have in a large measu re restored 
the water communication between the settlement and Taku. Lighters and small 
steamers have been able to navigate the river and reach Tientsin during the past year 
on a much heavier draft and with less difficulty and risk of collision than has been 
the case for several years past. This in itself has proved of immense benefit to the 
general trade of the port and has fully justified the comparatively small expendi- 
ture which has been made up to the present time. 

Having regard to the decreased rainfall during the last two seasons and taking in 
consideration the vast accumulation of silt, it naturally follows that some time must 
elapse before the river is restored to a condition to enable steamers to safely navigate 
the channel, as was the case previous to the years 1885, 1886. But there seems little 
doubt in the minds of those qualified to express an opinion that the results obtained 
must be regarded as satisfactory and encourage the hope that further work will ulti- 
mately achieve the desired success. Mr. De Linde' s original plans for dealing with 
the river embraced the cutting of several bends to not only shorten the river, but 
also to obtain the fullest advantage from the incoming tide and the natural increase 
of force of the outgoing current, which it is calculated would remove the silt accumu- 
lation within a very much shorter period than could possibly occur under other 
circumstances. My committee, in consultation with gentlemen representing the 
shipping interests of the port, have carefully considered the question, and I am 
directed to inform you that we are unanimously of opinion that some steps should 
be taken at once to adopt the recommendations contained in Mr. De Linde' s reports 
of 1890 and 1901 (copies of which I understand are in your possession), and to pro- 
ceed at once with the work of cutting the Tientsin and arsenal bends together, with 
certain other measures embodied in these reports. 

In view of the fact that the country between Tientsin and Taku is now under the 
jurisdiction of the provisional government, the committee think the time most oppor- 
tune for dealing with the matter, as the many difficulties incidental to such an enter- 
prise can be more effectually dealt with. It is estimated that to cut the two bends 
named, modify the radius of other bends, and obtain certain reaches, will require the 
expenditure of some 300,000 taels. As my committee anticipate that difficulties may 
arise in connection with raising such funds, this aspect of the question has been dis- 
cussed very fully, and I may say, for your information, that the chamber, subject to 
the appointment of a duly constituted conservancy board representing the various 



EEPOET OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 259 

interests involved to insure a continuity of policy, will be prepared to formulate a 
scheme for the approval of the diplomatic body in Pekin. 

In asking you to place this matter before your colleagues, I venture to hope we 
may receive your invaluable support and assistance, and that the question may be 
considered with as little delay as possible. 

I have, etc., W. W. Dickenson, Chairman, 



[Inclosure 2.1 

M. du Chaylard to the Chamber of Commerce. 

Consulat de Feance a Tientsin, February 25, 1901. 
Sir: I have the honor to inform you that I have submitted to my colleagues the 
letter which you addressed to me under date of February 13 last, relative to the 
proposed measures in connection with the river improvement scheme. The con- 
sular body will do all in their power to further the measures which the Chamber of 
Commerce proposes, and will, as soon as they receive it, carefully go into the scheme 
which you promise to submit. 

I am, etc., Du Chaylard. 

[Inclosure 3.] 
Chamber of Commerce to the Consular corps. 

Tientsin, March 0, 1901. 

Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter dated February 
25, in which you are good enough to inform me that the consular body, having con- 
sidered my letter of February 13 on the subject of river improvement, are willing 
to do all in their power to further the measures proposed by the chamber and 
requesting me to submit for their- consideration our views on the subject. In accord- 
ance with that request I have now the pleasure to bring before you for the considera- 
tion of the consular body the opinion of this chamber on the question of administra- 
tion and our suggestions for raising the required funds. 

Administration: For the proper control of the works and finances to insure a con- 
tinuity of policy until all loans and obligations aie fully discharged, it is absolutely 
necessary that a conservancy board be constituted, and it seems most desirable that 
such a board should represent all the interests involved. 

My committee think a board constituted as follows would meet these requirements 
and not prove too cumbersome to be effective: Doyen, or nominee of the consular 
body; a member of the provisional government; the commissioner of Imperial 
maritime customs; a representative of the shipping interests; a representative from 
each properly constituted foreign municipality. 

It is suggested this board be especially empowered to — 

A. Assume full control of the river works already created. 

B. Accept all the obligations pertaining to the scheme of 1898 now in existence. 

C. Assume all financial control. 

D. To appoint an expert consulting engineer. 

Finance: The 6 per cent municipal loan issued in 1898, to provide the foreign con- 
tribution for the scheme of that year, was for 150,000 taels, and of this amount 130,000 
taels remains outstanding at the present time. 

As security for the payment of interest amortization the sanction of the rninisters 
and Chinese authorities was obtained to levy dues of 1 per cent on duties paid in the 
ordinary way to the Imperial customs. There were a few slight modifications made 
in the river-dues tariff to meet especial cases, and the period of collection was from 
August 1,1898, until 1910 (twelve years), by which time it was calculated the whole 
obligation would be liquidated. 

For the first complete year the amount so collected was, after deducting the cost 
of collection, about 21,000 taels, or slightly below what had been estimated, but 
still fully sufficient to meet the financial requirements. It is estimated that to pro- 
vide funds for the new works in contemplation a further sum of 300,000 taels will be 
required, and my committee proposes that this sum be raised by the issue of bonds 
under the seal or seals of the municipalities, as was the case before. Owing, how- 
ever, to different financial conditions prevailing now, a rate of 7 per cent interest 
instead of 6 per cent must be provided for. As a first security for the payment of 



260 EEPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA 

interest and amortization of this proposed loan, it is absolutely necessary that calcu- 
lation should be based upon a revenue likely to arise from shipping or otherwise, 
when steamers are able to reach the bund, and it is therefore proposed that the 
existing river dues of 1 per cent should be doubled (making the levy 2 per cent on 
duties) and that the period of collection be extended until 1923, or twenty-five years 
from the original date. 

Based upon the figures previously referred to, this would produce an annual sum 
of 42,000 taels, which would be sufficient to terminate the existing loan of 130,000 
taels, and the new 7 per cent loan of 300,000 taels in 1909 and 1919. 

My committee wish to urge upon you the principle that all craft deriving benefit 
from the improved condition of the river should be called upon to contribute in 
some form to the general funds, and the chamber therefore earnestly submits for 
yous consideration the following proposals, viz: 

1. That all lighters coming to the bunds and wharves, or discharging in the Tientsin 
reach, shall contribute 5 candareens per ton (dead weight) on the cargo brought up 
in their own bottoms. Provided always, that such charge shall not be made if the 
depth of water in any part of the river between Taku and Tientsin be less than 9 
feet. 

2. That all steamers coming to the bunds and wharves, or discharging in the 
Tientsin reach, shall likewise contribute 5 candareens per ton (dead w T eight) on cargo 
brought up in their own bottoms. 

3. That seagoing junks and sailing vessels reaching Tientsin shall also pay a pro- 
portionate sum. 

4. That all revenue arising from any or all of the above sources to be applied as 
follows: 

(a) Two-thirds of the sum, after deducting the cost of collection, to the immediate 
redemption of bonds. 

(b) One-third of the sum shall be set apart to form a maintenance fund. 

In view of the fact that the revenue to be derived from any of the sources is 
problematical, it is not possible to form any estimate of what the product will be, but 
my committee have so much confidence in the final success of the scheme that they 
are of the opinion that even at the extremely moderate rates named the whole 
liability in connection with the loans would be cleared off in a very few years. 

I may mention for your information, that on the distinct understanding that the 
levying of dues (on duties and craft) will only remain in force as long as the financial 
obligations named above exist, I have reason to believe the steamship companies 
will offer no objections to the proposals. 

W. W. Dickenson, 
Chairman Chamber of Commerce. 



[Inclosure 4. — Translation.] 
Dean of Consular Corps to Dean of Diplomatic Corps. 

Tientsin, March 18, 1901. 

Monsieur the Dean: Since the silting up of the river has prevented steamers from 
coming up to Tientsin, the consular corps, the chamber of commerce, and the munici- 
palities duly preoccupied by this condition, so prejudicial to the general interests of 
this port, have endeavored to make tl*e course of the Peiho available again for steam 
navigation. 

In 1897, after a series of long and difficult negotiations with the Chinese authori- 
ties, an understanding was happily reached on a plan drawn up by Mr. de Linde, a 
Danish engineer, which entailed a general outlay of 315,000 taels, of which amount 
it was decided to devote in the first place 250,000 taels to carrying out the most urgent 
works needed for raising the level of the river. The viceroy of Pechili consented 
to contribute the sum of 100,000 taels, and the foreign community was to raise itself 
the balance of 150,000 taels to insure the payment of interest and the amortization 
of the loan decided upon. 

In the first place, the foreign commerce expressed itself in favor of a method of 
taxation to be settled upon to which foreign enterprise and native traffic were alike 
to be subject. This plan was, however, shortly after abandoned, and so as to prevent 
any loss of time a plan was adopted which was more readily applicable and was 
based on the creation of a municipal tax, due on entry and leaving, on all merchan- 
dise subject to the payment of customs dues. The levying of this was to be done in the 
name and for the account of the municipalities, through the customs administration, 



EEPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 261 

for a period of twelve years from the 1st of August, 1898, to the 1st of August, 1910. 
Such was the condition of the question, of which I have only outlined the general 
features, when it was submitted to you with all details in a letter dated the 5th of 
August, 1898, by Mr. Tei, 1 at the time dean of the consular body, with a request that 
you submit it to the diplomatic corps, and obtain from it the necessary agreement 
for the establishment of the tax referred to. With a promptitude for which the 
foreign community of Tientsin has always shown itself deeply grateful, the proposi- 
tion was presented by you to your colleagues, and a few days after you returned it to 
Mr. Tei with their unanimous assent. A loan of 150,000 taels was shortly after con- 
tracted at the Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation by the British munici- 
pality, and on the 26th of July a contract with Mr. de Linde for a period of two years 
was signed by him, the dean of the consular corps, the taotai, and the commissioner 
of customs, and the works, the control and supervision of which were intrusted to 
the dean and to the taotai, commenced on the 1st of August. 

The works were continued without interruption until the 25th of May, and have 
been carried out in the most satisfactory way. All the dams were finished when hos- 
tilities broke out, and a very decided improvement had already taken place in the 
river, the level of which had risen and had been maintained at an average of 10 feet 
of depth, allowing boats, if they had not been impeded by the sharp bends of the 
river, to come up to Tientsin. Serious damages, happily repaired since, thanks to the 
financial aid given by the British military authorities, have restored things to the posi- 
tion in which they were before the insurrection, and the satisfactory results which I 
previously indicated may be considered as definitely secured. 

Calm being reestablished, the chamber of commerce of Tientsin, anxious to carry 
out in full the programme of 1897 and to see completed the de Linde plan, has again 
requested the aid of the consular body, and has transmitted to me, under date of the 
2d of this month, a very full memorandum, which forms the inclosure No. 1 and 
which contains the following propositions, which, briefly stated, are: 

1. Formation of a committee composed of the dean of the consular corps, of a 
member of the provisional government of the Chinese City, or, failing that, of the 
customs taotai, of a representative of the shipping interests, of a representative of 
the already organized foreign municipalities, and of the consul of the power being 
without any municipal organization, said committee to be intrusted with examin- 
ing the works already executed, and of ascertaining whether all the provisions of 
the contract of 1898 have been fulfilled, to control expenses, and, finally, to nominate 
an expert engineer. 

2. Project of a loan for the sum of 300,000 taels, necessary for finishing the works, 
to be guaranteed by the municipalities as the previous one, with interest at 7 per 
cent, instead of at 6 per cent, by reason of the present financial conditions. 

3. Increase to 2 per cent, instead of 1 per cent, of the municipal taxes, and exten- 
sion of the period during which it should be levied until the 1st of August, 1923, 
instead of 1st of August, 1910, the date previously fixed upon. 

4. The fixing of a tonnage due of 5 candareens a ton on steamers, cargo boats, sea- 
going junks, or sailing ships coming up to Tientsin and unloading their cargoes there. 

5. The following appropriation of the taxes levied: Two-thirds to interest and 
amortization of the loan, and one-third to form a reserve fund. 

These various propositions have been unanimously accepted by the consular corps, 
and I have been directed to transmit them to your excellency with the request that 
you secure the approval of the diplomatic corps to them, said approval being awaited 
so that the loan in question may be issued without any delay. 

One of my colleagues, the German consul, has expressed the wish adopted by all, 
to see eventually the tax of 2 per cent transformed into a fixed tonnage due, to be 
levied on all ships coming within the waters of Tientsin. But this measure, requir- 
ing the sanction of all Governments, could only be carried out after more or less 
delay, and it seems for the time being preferable so as to escape all delay, of follow- 
ing a method similar to that adopted in 1898 and to provide for actual requirements 
by a municipal tax. 

I must finally inform your excellency and beg you to call the attention of all of 
your colleagues to the semiconflict which has arisen between the consular corps and 
the provisional government, which, though it existed previously in a latent state, 
has only broken out through improvement of the river. The incident which took 
place on this connection has raised a question of principle which can only be settled 
by the diplomatic corps, and I am instructed by my colleagues to request, through 
your medium, a decision determining definitely the role and the attributions of each 
of the parties. The letter by which the provisional government notified me under 
date of the 22d of August of its assumption of power, which dated from the 25th of 

1 Inclosed in Mr. Denby's No. 2911 of April 13, 1898, to the Secretary of State. (W. R.) 



262 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 

July, contains a declaration, the importance of which can not escape you. "The 
council," it is there said, "being the emanation of all the powers, shall enjoy, within 
the territory which is confided to it, absolute independence, and shall comply, so 
far as possible, with all the demands which may be made of it, as well by the com- 
manders of the allied troops as by the consuls of the foreign powers." 

We all experienced a certain amount of surprise in learning that the provisional 
government which we thought was only a delegation of the generals commanding 
the allied troops and specially charged with the administration and police of the city 
and its surroundings having no political character and no authority over foreigners, 
considered itself on the contrary as the emanation of the powers who had already 
permanent and authorized representatives in the persons of their ministers; that it 
reserved to itself the right to pass on the requests which would be made to it by the 
foreign consuls. Perhaps we should have protested at the time, but no difficulty 
having'arisen for several months, we kept silence, trusting that nothing would arise 
obliging us to break it. But on the 12th of February, the provisional government, 
which could not ignore the fact that the consular corps had been the only one until 
then intrusted with the question of the improvement of the river, and had superin- 
tended the works, took the initiative of calling a meeting to which it invited the con- 
suls and the presidents of the chamber of commerce and of the British municipality. 

I informed my colleagues of the invitation which had been sent them, and we 
discussed together the answer to be made. It was unanimously decided to abstain, 
and I was directed by my colleagues to send a letter to the members of the pro- 
visional government, the terms of which were settled upon in a meeting, informing 
them of our decision. 

I should add that the same action was taken by the presidents of the chamber of 
commerce and the British municipality. 

In its turn, after having adopted in principle the conclusions reached by the 
chamber of commerce as regards the proposition of the committee of control of 
supervision, the consular corps requested me to ask the provisional government to 
designate one of its members to be present at a meeting of said committee, at which 
were to be examined the proposals of the chamber of commerce. Deeming doubt- 
less either that its dignity did not allow it to respond to the requests of the consuls, 
or that it could do without their assistance, the provisional government informed me 
by letter that it did not consider that it could agree to send a delegate. It ended 
this communication by stating that it had given orders for beginning the works in 
the shortest period possible, and that it would be happy to see a member of the con- 
sular corps on the commission it had organized for that purpose. 

This statement will enable your excellency to understand the situation and to 
realize that it can not continue without serious inconveniences. If the provisional 
government is qualified to look after the commercial interests of the various nations 
confided until the present time to the consuls under direction of their various min- 
isters; if it has the power to have approved by the diplomatic corps the impost of 
taxes destined to insure the payments on a loan contracted for works of general use- 
fulness, the consular corps is ready to bow to the decision of its chiefs, but if as it 
hopes, the latter' s rights are maintained, it thinks that two committees are useless, 
and that the provisional government, whose suggestions will always be listened to, 
and which will furthermore have, just as the consular corps, a vote in the committee, 
should be notified to join it and to deposit in the common fund the sums which it 
proposes to expend on the Peiho works. 

It is with the most absolute confidence that in the name of my colleagues and my 
own, I place this case in your hands, certain that it can not find a defender more 
just and devoted. 

Please accept, Mr. Dean, the assurances of my consideration. 

Du Chaylard. 



[Inclosnro 5. — Translation.] 
Mr. de Cologan to Marshal Count von Waldersee. 

Peking, March 20, 1901. 

Monsieur le Marechal: The diplomatic corps has examined most carefully and 
with great interest the communication which your excellency was pleased to make 
it in your letter of the 13th March, and which bears on the question of the measures 
to be taken to improve the navigation of the Peiho. 

It saw that these measures had at the same time a military, commercial, and polit- 
ical character, and that as such they interested equally the military, consular, and 



REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 263 

diplomatic authorities. It appeared, furthermore, that for several years past, as your 
excellency remarked, it has been called upon to occupy itself with this question, in 
conjunction with the governor-general of Chihli. After negotiations which took 
place at Pekin between the representatives of the powers and the Chinese Govern- 
ment, a committee composed of the dean of the consular corps at Tientsin, of the 
commissioner of the maritime customs and of the customs taotai, was intrusted with 
the supervision of the works which were to be carried out by the engineer chosen by 
the consular corps, and with the financial measures to be taken to insure said 
execution. 

" The diplomatic corps is of the opinion that to guarantee the continuation of the 
work of which it took the initiative, and to maintain its original character, it is 
necessary not to modify, any more than circumstances demand, the composition of 
the committee which it formed jointly with the Chinese Government. 

Among the component parts of the committee there are two which subsist in the 
state in which they were at the time when this business was begun. These are the 
dean of the consular corps and the commissioner of customs at Tientsin. The cus- 
toms taotai has disappeared with the local authorities, which have been replaced by 
the provisional government, who assumed its powers. It is consequently for the 
provisional government, invested with purely administrative powers, to delegate a 
representative so that the committee, incomplete as a result of events, shall be recon- 
structed and in a position to continue its labors. 

The representatives of the powers are entirely in accord with your excellency 
and with the provisional government on the utility which necessitates the improve- 
ment of the navigation of the Peiho. It is particularly for that reason that they 
deem it proper to preserve the method which they have adopted, and to leave to the 
consular authority all the role which belongs to it in the accomplishment of this 
undertaking. If it were otherwise, the day when the local authorities shall resume 
the normal exercise of their functions shall substitute themselves in their turn to the 
provisional government, the consular corps would find that it had lost the benefit of 
its regular position, which would compromise its influence and might endanger all 
the interests which it has for its mission to represent. 

The diplomatic corps is expecting a report of the consular corps on this subject. 
As soon as it shall have received and examined it, it will at once give the necessary 
instructions to the consuls so that the undertaking in which the provisional govern- 
ment so rightly interests itself may continue in the most favorable conditions, and to 
the satisfaction of all interests. I shall not fail to communicate these instructions to 
your excellency. 

Please accept, Monsieur le Marechal, the assurances of my highest considerations. 

B. J. DE COLOGAN. 






[Inclosure 6.— Translation.] 
Count von Waldersee to Mr. de Cologan. 

Peking, March 25, 1901. 

Excellency: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your excellency's 
letter of the 20th of March, concerning the steps to be taken for improving the navi- 
gation of the Peiho. 

I can not but express my profound gratitude for the cordial reception given by 
your excellency to the views which I detailed in my letter of the 13th of March. 

I have also to express my great satisfaction that my argument on the great value 
which, from a political, military, and commercial point of view, should be attached 
to the most prompt carrying out of the conservancy works in question, has met, in 
principle, with the approval of your excellency and your colleagues. 

In my above letter of the 15th of March I inclosed the minutes of the provisional 
government of Tientsin relating to this business, and requested that they be returned 
to me when no longer needed. Not having received these minutes with the letter of 
your excellency of the 20th March, I beg that you will return them to me. 

As to the question itself, fully appreciating the arguments adduced by your excel- 
lency, I deem it advisable that the conservancy works of the Peiho should be intrusted 
to the direction and subject to the control of a committee. By this means misunder- 
standings and conflicts as to competency will be most easily averted — conflicts which 
it would seem have already taken place at Tientsin, and through which the interests 
of all and the early^xecution of the works might be materially compromised. 



2fi4 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 

For my part, I can have no objection to the composition of this committee as sug- 
gested by your excellency, to wit: A member of the provisional government, a 
member of the consular corps, and a representative of the maritime customs. 

Likewise I can see no objection to representatives of the concessions at Tientsin 
being admitted to the meetings of the committee for consultation only. This com- 
mittee would have to examine the question of the improvement of the Peiho from 
technical and financial points of view, and adopt on its own responsibility the neces- 
sary measures to reach a satisfactory result on all different points. 

Since I am not in a position to give orders myself to the provisional government, 
being obliged previously to obtain the consent of the commanders of the various 
contingents, I shall not fail to ask their opinion immediately; but, I think I may 
count on their consent; consequently, to prevent all loss of time, I have taken the 
liberty of previously submitting in my own name to the consideration of the diplo- 
matic corps the above-enumerated propositions. 

As I am led to believe by some remarks contained in your letter of the 20th of 
March that there is some uncertainty as to the duty and the powers of the provi- 
sional government, I inclose a copy of the regulations drawn up by the commanders 
of the*various contingents for the provisional government. 

A. Waldersee, 
General Field Marshal. 



[Inclosure 7. — Translation.] 
Mr. de Cologan to Count von Waldersee. 

Peking, March 26, 1901. 

Monsieur le Marechal: The diplomatic corps has read with great pleasure the 
letter of your excellency dated the 25th of this month, and bearing No. 1154. It has 
seen the agreement with you on the methods to be followed to continue as rapidly 
as possible the works for the improvement of navigation on the Peiho; it has decided 
to give as instructions to the consuls at Tientsin, who on their side had submitted 
the question to it, to reach an understanding with the provisional government to form 
the committee to which your letter alludes, to fix the powers of its members, and to 
prosecute the carrying out of the scheme in question. 

As to defining the powers of the provisional government, and as to the regulations 
which your excellency was pleased to send me with the letter to which I am now 
replying, the diplomatic corps reserves to itself to inform you shortly of the manner 
in which they should be understood. 

I inclose with this letter the documents sent in your communication of the 13th 
March, and which you have asked me to return to you. 

I avail myself, etc., B. J. de Cologan. 



[Inclosure 8. — Translation.] 
The Bean of the Diplomatic Corps to the Senior consul at Tientsin. 

Peking, March 26, 1901. 

"Monsieur le Doyen: I have received and communicated to my colleagues the 
letter which you wrote me on the 18th of this month, in the name of the consular 
corps of Tientsin, concerning the plan for improving the navigability of the Peiho. 

Prior to this the question had been submitted to the diplomatic corps by his excel- 
lency Marshal Waldersee, in the name of the provisional government of Tientsin, and 
it had been called upon to express its opinion on the principal points submitted by 
you for the consideration of the representatives of the powers. 

Inclosed you will find copy of the letter which my colleagues unanimously directed 
me to send to his excellency Marshal Waldersee, in reply to the one 1 had received 
from him. 

In a second letter, of which I send you all the passages* concerning the means 
which might be used to improve the navigability of the Peiho, his excellency Mar- 
shal Waldersee accepts for himself, and, subject to consultation with the commanders 
of the expeditionary corps, the constitution of a committee in which shall be repre- 
sented the consular corps of Tientsin, the maritime customs, the provisional govern- 
ment, and the foreign commerce. 



REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 265 

Such being the case, it seems to the diplomatic corps that it only remains to leave 
to the consuls to reach an understanding with the provisional government, to organ- 
ize a committee to determine the powers to be granted its members and to carry on 
the execution of the plan, the history of which was very exactly outlined by you in 
the letter to which I had the honor to reply. 

As to the question of principle resulting from the constitution of the provisional 
government and from the functions which it has attributed to itself, its importance 
can not escape the representatives of the powers, and I am directed by them to 
inform you that they have the question under consideration and will soon be in a 
position to inform you of their solution of it. 

I avail myself, etc., B. J. de Cologan. 

[Inclosure 9.— Translation.] 
Gene al de Gay I to Mr, de Cologan. 

Peking, April SO, 1901. 

Mr. Minister: As a continuation of his letter of the 25th of last March and at the 
same time as a reply to the communication of your excellency of the 26th instant, 
the commander in chief of the allied armies has the honor to inform your excellency 
that the commanders of the contingents represented in the provisional government 
of Tientsin have now agreed with the proposal to continue the works for the improve- 
ment of the Peiho through a committee composed as stated in the dispatch of the 
25th of last month. 

The time has therefore come for the consular body at Tientsin to appoint the mem- 
ber of the committee which belongs to it to designate, and the commander in chief 
of the allied forces requests you to take the necessary steps to this end with the con- 
sular body. In the interests of the undertaking all action taken in the matter will 
be greatly appreciated. Sir Alfred Gaselee particularly called the attention of the 
commander in chief of the allied forces to this subject. 

As to the question who shall preside over the committee, the commander of the 
allied forces takes the liberty of proposing that the presidency shall be given to the 
member senior in rank who represents foreign interests. The member of the com- 
mittee to be appointed by the provisional government of Tientsin could also for this 
purpose be considered as a representative of foreign interests. 

By order of the commander in chief of the allied forces: 

L. de Gayl, Major- General. 

[Inclosure 10.] 

Senior consul at Tientsin to Dean of diplomatic corps. 

Tientsin, May 1, 1901. 

Your Excellency: I have the honor to address your excellency on the subject of 
the proposed conservancy board for the regulation of the Peiho River, the formation 
of which your excellency was good enough to state in your letter of the 26th of March 
had been approved by the diplomatic body in Peking. 

After the departure of M. du Chaylard, the late doyen of the consular body at 
Tientsin, it fell to my lot, as his successor as senior consul, to invite my colleagues 
to a meeting to decide on the next steps to be taken for the definitive selection of the 
personnel of the new board. 

This meeting was held on the 29th of April, and during the course of our discussion 
it appeared that minutes of the meeting of the 13th of March had been drawn up and 
signed by the late doyen and sent to one of our number, but the rest not having seen 
the document and no draft having been left in the doyen's archives, it was resolved 
to adjourn till next day, the 30th, to enable these minutes to be circulated. 

We accordingly met again yesterday, and it is as a result of this second meeting that 
I am now addressing your excellency. 

Your excellency will observe that part of M. du Chaylard' s letter to your excellency 
of the 18th of March, which deals with the proposed composition of the conservancy 
board, is not altogether expressed in the same terms as are used in the minutes, a 
copy of which I have the honor to inclose herewith. 

It was probably a consequence of the press of work, due to his approaching depart- 
ure, that M. du Chaylard did not observe the appreciable variation between the two 
proposals on this head, as stated in his letter and in the minutes. 

However, a certain degree of importance attaches to the point, and the three mem- 
bers of our body who were present at the meeting of the 13th of March, as well as at 



266 KEPOKT OF COMMISSIONEB TO CHINA. 

those of the 29th and 30th of April, namely, the consuls for Belgium, Germany, and 
"Russia, are of the opinion that the minutes represent more exactly what was agreed 
to at the earlier meeting than those of Monsieur du Chay lard's letter of March 18. 
Under these circumstances we have felt it best to bring these minutes to your excel- 
lency's notice, in order that the diplomatic body may be apprised of the facts above 
stated, and have opportunity, should they see fit, to signify their view as to which 
scheme for the composition of the conservancy board should be adopted — that speci- 
fied in M. du Chaylard's letter or that contained in the latter part of resolution 2 of 
the minutes forwarded herewith. 
I have the honor, etc., 

L. C. Hopkins, 
His British Majesty's Consul- General and Senior Consul. 



[Subinclosure.] 
Resolutions adopt&es dans la reunion consulaire du 13 mars 1901. 

1. Acceptation du principe m£me des travaux de la riviire. 

2. Acceptation de la creation d'une commission ainsi composee: 
Doyen du corps consulaire; 

Un representant du Gouvernement chinois, -soit actuellement un membre du Gou- 
vernement provisoire et apres sa disparition le tao-tai; 

President de la chambre de commerce; 

Un representant des municipalites etrangeres existantes, et a defaut de municipality 
constitute le consul ou son delegue; 

Les,representants des compagnies de navigation. 

3. Etablissement d'un plan pour indiquer les travaux a faire sur les concessions 
pour maintenir a 100 metres de largeur de la riviere, et entente entre les munici- 
palites. 

4. Designation de M. de Linde comme ingenieur charge de 1' execution des travaux. 

5. Convocation pour samedi 16 mars a 10 heures du matin d'une reunion de la 
commission pour adopter une resolution definitive sur les voies et moyens. 

Le Doyen du Corps Consulaire, Consul General de France, 

du Chaylard. 



[Inclosure 11.— Translation.! 

Committee for the preservation and navigability of the Heiho (Peiho). 

No. 1.] Tientsin, June 11, 1901. 

Mr. Minister: We have the honor to respectfully inform your excellency that as 
a result of your communication to the consular corps and of that of Marshal Count 
de Waldersee to the council of the provisional government of Tientsin this com- 
mittee, composed of Major-General de Wogack, member of the council of the 
provisional government; Mr. L. C. Hopkins, consul-general of Her British Majesty 
and dean of the consular corps; Mr. G. Betring, commissioner of the imperial 
maritime customs at Tientsin, has met and entered upon the discharge of its duty. 
We have the honor, excellency, etc., 

C. de Wogack. 

L. C. Hopkins. 

G. Detring. 



[Inclosure 12.— Translation.] 

Mr. de Cologan to the Committee for the preservation, etc. , of the Peiho. 

Peking, June IS, 1901. 
Gentlemen: I have had the honor to receive your letter of day before yesterday, 
by which you inform me that you compose the committee for the improvement of the 
navigation of the Peiho and that you have met and entered upon the discharge of 
your duty. 

I hasten to inform my honorable colleagues, who, without a doubt, will learn with 
great satisfaction of the happy result. 

Accept, etc., B. J. de Cologan. 



REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 267 

[Inclosure 13.] 
Senior consul, Tientsin, to Dean of diplomatic corps. 

Tientsin, June 20, 1901. 

Youe Excellency: I have the honor to inform your excellency that a plenary 
meeting of the Peiho River conservancy board was held yesterday afternoon, which, 
I trust that I am not oversanguine in thinking, should have important and satisfac- 
tory results. 

Among the various questions that were then discussed was that of financial ways 
and means. 

General de Wogack, the president of the board, having announced certain offers 
of financial assistance on the part of the Tientsin provisional government to the 
meeting on condition that the commercial interests concerned would raise funds on 
their side also, it was pointed out by the chairman of the chamber of commerce 
that the commercial interests were still willing to stand by their scheme of raising 
the necessary funds which was proposed in their letter of March 2, 1901, to my pred- 
ecessor, M. du Chaylard/a copy of which was transmitted to your excellency by 
him in his letter of the 18th of the same month. That scheme was outlined in- the 
following passage: 

1 'As a first security for the payment of interest and amortization of this proposed 
loan, it is absolutely necessary that calculations should be based upon a revenue quite 
apart from any revenue likely to arise from shipping, or otherwise, when steamers 
are able to reach the Bund, and it is therefore proposed that the existing river dues 
(of 1 per cent) be doubled (making the levy 2 per cent on duties), and that the 
period of collection be extended until 1923, or twenty-five years from the original 
date." 

The president of the chamber of commerce, however, now observed that no state- 
ment had yet reached the chamber that its proposals in this regard had received the 
approval and sanction of the diplomatic body in Peking. 

Accordingly, with the assent of my colleagues present at the meeting, I offered to 
address your excellency on the subject, and to express the general hope that the 
explicit approval of their excellencies, the members of the diplomatic body, of this 
proposition to double the existing river dues may be signified to me for communi- 
cation to the chamber of commerce, thus enabling the necessary steps toward raising 
the requisite funds to be taken without futher delay. 
I have the honor to be, etc., 

L. C. Hopkins, 
His British Majesty's Consul- General and Senior Consul. 



[Inclosure 14.— Translation.] 

Mr. de Cologan to Mr. L. C. Hopkins, His Britannic Majesty's consul-general and senior 

consul at Tientsin. 

Peking, July 3, 1901. 
Mr. Consul-Genekal: I have the honor to inform you that the diplomatic corps 
has approved the proposal contained in your letter of the 20th of June last, to double 
the taxes already existing for the improvement of the navigation of the Peiho. 

Please accept, Mr. Consul-General, the expression of my distinguished considera- 
tion. 

B. J. de Cologan. 






[Inclosure 15.] 
River Conservancy Board. 



The question of rectifying the course of the Haiho (commonly called Peiho, from 
one of the several streams that converge at Tientsin to constitute that waterway) and 
of the work to be done to allow ships of a certain draft of water (12 feet to 12 feet 6 
inches at the utmost) to ascend the river to the foreign concessions of Tientsin, is a 
very old one. 

After the disastrous flood of the spring of 1890 His Excellency Li Hung Chang, then 
governor-general of Chihli, was induced to allow Mr. A. de Linde, Danish engineer, 



268 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 

to make surveys, on which a great scheme was proposed the same year by Mr. G. 
Detring, at the time and again at present, commissioner at Tientsin of the Chinese 
Imperial maritime customs. On the technical side this scheme had the advantage 
of beginning the work before the state of the river, as regards navigation, should get 
worse, as it has since done. As financial means Mr. G. Detring proposed to employ 
for the work the sum of 1,000,000 taels, subscribed in the south (Canton) for the 
benefit of the sufferers by the flood, and to repay this amount by annual installments 
by levying extra tonnage dues on every ship making use of the new channels. This 
would not have practically diverted the money from its intended object, as the work 
projected would have regulated the flow of the water so as to avoid future floods. A 
strong opposition on the part of the local Chinese officials, who feared that the free 
navigation of the river might interfere with their private interests, succeeded in 
defeating the scheme. 

The state of the river grew worse and worse, so that in 1896, during several months, 
even lighters and tugboats could not come up to the concessions. 

This aroused at last the commercial community and led, in the beginning of 1897, 
to the first negotiations between Count du Chaylard, French and senior consul; Mr. 
H. B. Bristow, Her Britannic Majesty's consul, with Mr. Ed. Cousins, chairman of 
the Tientsin general Chamber of Commerce, and Mr. de Linde, as adviser, on one 
side, and His Excellency Wang Wen-Shao, at the time governor-general of Chihli, 
on the other side — negotiations which concluded with the decision to undertake the 
first part of the work, amounting to 250,000 taels, and the appointment of a mixed 
commission to carry it on. This commission was composed of — 

The Tientsin customs (Haikwan) Taotai. 

Two Chinese officials nominated by the governor-general as the representatives 
of the two Chinese companies — China Merchants Steam Navigation Company, and 
Chinese Engineering and Mining Company. 

The commissioner at Tientsin of the Chinese Imperial maritime customs. 

Representatives of different shipping and lighters companies. 

Representatives of the foreign concessions (in existence at the time) . 

Representatives of Tientsin general Chamber of Commerce. 

The necessary amount of money was provided for by grants from the municipal 
councils of the foreign concessions and from the Taku Tug and Lighter Company, 
Limited, and an extra tonnage due of 3 candareens per registered ton, levied for 
each trip; this last income, the most important one (as the tonnage of the port being 
estimated at over 550,000 tons annually, it would represent more than three times 
the total amount of all the others) could not be levied until the work was finished 
and as certain powers formally objected to any increase in the tonnage dues, it became 
necessary to find some other income approved by everybody that could be raised at 
once. Finally it was agreed, with the approbation of the Chinese authorities and the 
foreign ministers at Peking, to levy an extra duty of one-half per mille "ad valorem" 
on all merchandise, to be collected by the Chinese Imperial maritime customs on 
account of the commission, to provide for the payment of interest and aruortizatk «i 
of a loan of 150,000 taels — guaranteed by the municipality of the British concession, 
the governor-general giving the 100,000 taels necessary to complete the 250,000 taels — 
needed to have the work done. This being secured the work begun in the fall of 
1898, and having been actively pushed since spring 1899, was nearly finished in 
spring 1900, thanks to the liberality of the ratepayers of the British concession, who 
consented that certain of their municipal properties should be mortgaged to guarantee 
the loan which otherwise could not have been raised. 

Last year's events, still fresh to our memory, brought the destruction of nearly all 
the works, and the indemnity claimed therefor from the Chinese authorities amounts 
to 126,000 taels. 

Immediately after the taking of the Tientsin native city, the British military 
authorities tried to secure communication by the river, and amongst others concluded 
an agreement with Mr. de Linde for several months by which, for payment of certain 
sums, he undertook to have done the most necessary work to maintain the depth of 
the water in the river and water communication. 

As the reglements generaux d' administration de la cite" chinoise de Tientsin estab- 
lished at the end of July through the unanimity of all the commanding officers of the 
contingents of the allied powers did not mention this matter, the council of the pro- 
visional government could not attend to it, especially on account of having its juris- 
diction limited to the mud wall and want of funds. 

It was only at the end of January of this year that his excellency, Field Marshal 
Count von Waldersee, forwarded to the council of the provisional government the new 
Reglements generaux du Gouvernement Provisoire du district de Tientsin, approved 
by all the commanders in chief of the contingents of the allied powers, by which the 



REPOET OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 269 

jurisdiction of the council was extended up to the sea, beyond Taku, and containing 
the following paragraph: 

"II. Dans l'etendue du district dont la jurisdiction lui est ainsi confiee, le conseil 
devra, au moyen de son organe propre d' administration assurer la securite de la 
ville de Tientsin, achever les travaux publics en cours et entreprendre ceux qui 
paraitraient necessaires, maintenir et ameliorer les communications par les fleuves et 
canaux. * * *" 

The translation of which is: 

"II. Within the district so intrusted to it, the council must, with its own admin- 
istration, establish the security of the Tientsin city, complete the public works begun 
and undertake those which may seem necessary, maintain and improve the com- 
munications by the rivers and canals. * * *" 

The council, which always kept an eye on this question, ordered, in obedience to 
the new reglements generaux, Mr. de Linde, in charge of the public works depart- 
ment, to report on this subject, and called immediately for the 16th of February an 
unofficial meeting of all the parties (bodies, corporations, associations, and others) 
interested in the matter, so as to be able to discuss together the question and decide 
what should be done, as the said council desired particularly to give to the commer- 
cial community of Tientsin the benefit of the work which was to be done in any case 
to secure, from a military point of view, communication by water; the revenue hav- 
ing largely increased lately, the council had sufficient means to start the work at 
once, intending to get the balance from the indemnity to be paid by the Chinese 
authorities who, in accepting the collective note from the ministers in Pekin, have 
bound themselves to secure free communication between the capital and the sea. 

It is to be regretted that the council having not clearly exposed the situation in 
the invitation to attend this meeting, some unfortunate misunderstanding, embittered 
by questions of precedency, arose and divided the council of the provisional govern- 
ment and the commissioner of customs on one side from the consular body, munici- 
pal councils, corporations, private companies, and the public in general on the other 
side. 

Therefore the council elected three of its members, Major-General de Wogack, 
Lieutenant-Colonel Arlabosse, and Lieutenant-Colonel Bower, to constitute a com- 
mission to take the necessary steps and to supervise the work. Mr. Detring, com- 
missioner of customs, the only one of those invited who attended the meeting of 
February 16, was requested to join the commission. 

The revenue of the provisional government having exceeded the highest expecta- 
tions, the council decided, especially on account of the urgency of having the work 
done before the rainy season, to put at the disposal of the commission the amount 
of 100,000 taels, so as to enable it to make a start at once. 

At the meeting of the commission held on March 10-23, which Mr. Detring, com- 
missioner of customs, attended on being invited to do so, it was decided, after having 
adopted some regulations, to begin at once the work of the first cutting (the nearest 
to Tientsin), at a cost of about 100,000 taels, so that it could be finished before the 
rainy season (middle June), and to request Mr. de Linde to report at once on the 
immediate removal of part of the Taku North Fort, near the mouth of the river, at 
present occupied by the Japanese, who already have consented thereto, this work 
being estimated at 11,000 taels in all. The question of the two other cuttings was 
also discussed in particular regarding the possibility of finishing them also before 
the rainy season. 

On the 4th of March the council sent to his excellency, Field Marshal Count von 
Waldersee, in his quality of senior of the commanders in chief, from whom the 
council derives its powers, a long memorandum relating all that had happened. 

This memorandum set forth that the cost of the whole work was estimated at 500,000 
taels, of which 300,000 taels would accomplish in four months such work as would 
enable gunboats to ascend the river to the concessions; that the foreign banks at 
Tientsin were ready to advance the necessary loan at 7 per cent (instead of 6 per 
cent, as on the former loan) ; that the Chinese Imperial maritime customs could 
hand annually to the provisional government some 21,000 taels, levied on Chinese 
merchandise and paid formerly to the authorities of the city. This memorandum 
also stated that it would be just to free the municipality of the British concession 
from the guaranty given and include all the expenses of improving the navigability 
of the river in the indemnity due from the Chinese Government, which has guaran- 
teed that free communication shall exist between Peking and the sea. Itwas further 
proposed that until this indemnity shall be paid, each of the powers having a repre • 
sentative on the council should advance the amount of 50,000 taels, making in all 
300,000 taels, which would permit to start at once the most necessary work; that to 
avoid the contingency of the Chinese controlling, at any day, the works and their 






270 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 

maintenance, the consular body should naturally be designated to succeed in this 
matter the provisional government after its removal, and therefore it would be 
advisable for said body to be represented on the provisional government's commis- 
sion, and that, if extra dues on merchandise were to continue to be collected, repre 
sentatives of commerce, shipping, and foreign concessions ought also to join. 

Meantime the General Chamber of Commerce of Tientsin has prepared a financial 
scheme and had forwarded it on March 2 to the consular body with a proposal foi 
administration, as follows: 

Members of the commission: The senior consul or nominee of the consular body; 
a member of the provisional government; the commissioner at Tientsin of the Chines 
Imperial maritime customs; one representative of the shipping interests; a repre- 
sentative from each properly constituted foreign municipality. 

Among others this commission will have to assume full control of the river works 
already created; accept all the obligations pertaining to the scheme of 1898 now in 
existence; assume complete financial control; appoint an expert consulting engineer. 

Financial scheme: Out of the 150,000 taels, 6 per cent municipal loan of 1898, 
130,000 taels are still outstanding. 

As security for the payment of interest and amortization until August 1, 1910 
(twelve years from August 1, 1898), 1 per cent is levied on duties paid to the Chinese 
Imperial maritime customs. (The customs tariff being generally based on a 5 per 
cent "ad valorem" duty, 1 per cent on duty is the same as J per mill "ad valorem" 
given above. ) This has been going on regularly. 

It is estimated that a further sum of 300,000 taels is needed for the new works and 
an interest of 7 per cent instead of 6 per cent must be provided for. As security for 
the payment of interest and amortization the existing river dues of 1 per cent ought 
to be doubled, making the levy 2 per cent on duties, and the period of collection 
ought to be extended until 1923, or twenty-five years from the original date. This 
would be sufficient to terminate the remaining 130,000 taels of the 8 per cent loan 
and the new 7 per cent loan of 300,000 taels in 1909 and 1919, respectively. 

The amount collected was, after deducting the cost of collection, about 21,000 taels, 
fully sufficient to meet the financial requirements of the 1898 loan. In doubling the 
dues that will bring in 42,000 taels, which would be sufficient to meet the require- 
ments of the two loans. 

In addition to that the chamber of commerce proposed that — 

All lighters coming to the bund and wharves or discharging in the Tientsin reach 
shall contribute 5 candareens per ton (dead weight) on the cargo brought up in their 
own bottoms; provided always that such charge shall not be made if the depth of 
water in any part of the river between Taku and Tientsin be less than 9 feet. 

All steamers coming to the bund and wharves or discharging in the Tientsin reach 
shall likewise contribute 5 candareens per ton (dead weight) on cargo brought up in 
their own bottoms. 

Seagoing junks and sailing vessels reaching Tientsin shall also pay a proportionate 
sum. 

All revenue arising from any or all of the above sources to be applied as follows, 
after deducting cost of collection: Two-thirds to the immediate redemption of bonds, 
one-third to form a maintenance fund. 

The chamber of commerce believes that the steamship companies will offer no 
opposition to the proposals on the understanding that the levying of dues (on duties 
and craft) will only remain in force so long as the financial obligations named above 
exist. 

The General Chamber of Commerce of Tientsin, representing the commercial com- 
munity of the place, forwarded on March 12 to the provisional government copy of 
its two letters dated February 13 -and March 2, addressed to the consular body, 
acknowledging at the same time the keen interest taken by the said provisional gov- 
ernment in the improvement of the navigability of the river. 

According to this correspondence, the council of the provisional government wrote 
again to his excellency, Field Marshal Count von Waldersee, as senior commander 
in chief, showing that this financial scheme was very onerous and could only come 
in force after a certain time needed to have the sanction of the proper authorities to 
levy the dues mentioned (notwithstanding that the former dues could not be col- 
lected from subjects of certain powers), and therefore maintaining its former pro- 
posal to include the amount in the indemnity due by the Chinese Government and 
to receive from the powers represented in the council the sum of 300,000 taels, nec- 
essary to execute the works at once, as a loan to be redeemed on the payment of the 
indemnity by the Chinese Government. If for any reason whatever this amount 
should not be included in the indemnity, then the financial scheme of the chamber 
of commerce could be adopted, and out of the proceeds of the loan the 300,000 taels 



REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 271 

could be refunded to the powers. There would be more time to thoroughly discuss 
and prepare this scheme; being not in a hurry and things having quieted down and a 
normal state of affairs having been resumed, there will be even chance to get money 
at 6 per cent, which will be an important economy. As regards the composition of 
the commission, it is absolutely necessary that the council of the provisional govern- 
ment keep supreme control as long as it is responsible to the commanders in chief. 
After that, the consular body, the only element of the commission able to stand 
against the Chinese authorities, should take its place. It is well understood that 
seats on the commission must be reserved for representatives of institutions, corpo- 
rations, associations, companies, and others who would contribute to the works and 
their maintenance, as well as for the commissioner at Tientsin of the Chinese Impe- 
rial maritime customs. 

On March 3-16 the consular body held a meeting to which were invited to attend: 
One member of the provisional government, representatives of the shipping compa- 
nies, representatives of municipal councils or administration of foreign concessions, 
and Mr. de Linde. 

According to a decision taken at a previous meeting, the commissioner at Tientsin 
of the Chinese Imperial maritime customs was not invited to attend. 

The senior consul having in his letter of February 15 to the provisional govern- 
ment declared that the consular body could only accept suggestions from the provi- 
sional government, the council of this body did not find it necessary to be represented 
at the meeting. 

At this meeting it was decided — 

To establish a commission according to the proposal of the chamber of commerce, 
with the exception of the member of the provisional government and the commis- 
sioner of customs, and in place of the latter to ask, through the diplomatic body in 
Peking, the two Chinese plenipotentiaries negotiating actually with the foreign min- 
isters to nominate a Chinese official of the rank of taotai at least. 

To ask the diplomatic body to confirm the authorization to levy the dues of 1 per 
cent on customs duty and to raise it to 2 per cent. 

To claim from the provisional government the implements having been used for 
the former works and which might be in its hands. 

To lay a protest before the diplomatic body in Peking so as to stop the provisional 
government from doing anything that may interfere with the previous works. 

The balance of the chamber of commerce's scheme was also approved, the com- 
mission nominated as above to frame such rules and regulations regarding the other 
points as it may find necessary. 

Although everything was ready, the commission of the provisional government 
did not want to begin work before having received the approbation of the command- 
ers in chief. 

The result of all these schemes and correspondences was an understanding between 
the doj^en of the diplomatic body at Peking, acting for that body, and his excellency, 
Field Marshal Count von Waldersee, as senior commander in chief, acting for the 
commanders in chief, by which the number of the members of the commission was 
reduced to three, viz: A member of the provisional government, a member of the 
consular body, the commissioner at Tientsin of the Chinese Imperial maritime cus- 
toms, to whom were added, with consultative voice only, representatives of com- 
merce, shipping, and foreign concessions. 

This commission was to examine the question of improving the navigability of the 
Hai-Ho (Pei-Ho), technically and financially, and to take, in an independent way, 
such steps as would satisfy all parties interested in the matter. 

Although this was agreed to at the end of March, it was only at the end of April 
that it was communicated at Tientsin to the senior consul by the doyen of the diplo- 
matic body and to the council of the provisional government by his excellency, 
Field Marshal Count von Waldersee. 

The consular body having seen in its meeting of April 17-30 that the composition 
of the commission was different from what it had proposed, and finding a certain 
ambiguity in the Peking wording in regard to the foreign concessions (one part of that 
body considering only as concessions those having a regular municipal council, 
namely, the British and French concessions and the German concession), has again 
referred the matter to the doyen of the diplomatic body, who has only now confirmed 
the decision agreed to with his excellency, Field Marshal Count von Waldersee. 

Accordingly, the first meeting of the commission was held on May 9-22. 

Major-General de Wogack, member of the council of the provisional government 
of the district of Tientsin; Mr. L. C. Hopkins, His Britannic Majesty's consul-general 
and senior consul; and Mr. Detring, commissioner of the Chinese Imperial maritime 
customs, being present and constituting the commission. 






272 EEPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 

It was decided that the works should be divided into three sections: 

(1) Maintenance of the river in its actual state, for which the provisional govern- 
ment offers a monthly subsidy of 5,000 taels, and even more if necessary; the actual 
monthly expenses on this head are between 2,000 taels and 3,000 taels, not counting 
the wages of the engineer and others, who, being in the service of the provisional 
government, have freely given their time, care, and labor to this work. As the com- 
mission for the improvement of the navigability of the Hai-Ho (Pei-Ho) is entirely 
independent of the provisional government, it must have its own staff entirely under 
its orders and quite distinct from the one belonging to the provisional government 
(according to the opinion expressed by the latter), and therefore the provisional 
government offers at first sight 2,000 taels, more than the running monthly expenses, 
so as to provide for the payment of a regularly specially appointed staff. 

(2) Improvement of the navigablity of the river so as to allow gunboats and there- 
fore steamers of a certain draft to come up the river to the foreign concessions. The 
total cost of these works is estimated at 500,000 taels, of which the provisional gov- 
ernment undertakes to provide the half, viz, 250,000 taels; the provisional govern- 
ment is even ready to advance all the money needed, specially as in the beginning 
the expenses will be small, but will increase with the development of the works, 
with the understanding that it is to be repaid out of the funds raised by the com- 
merce, shipping, and foreign concessions, all pecuniarily interested in the comple- 
tion of the works. As the representatives of these interests have only consultative 
voices, the commission could choose among them a treasurer, and this would enable 
them to provide in an effective way that the funds are judiciously employed. It 
must not be overlooked that in the amount of indemnities claimed from China are 
some 126,000 taels for damage done to the works already executed for the improve- 
ment of the navigability of the river, although there seems to exist some lien on 
this item. 

(3) Maintenance of the navigability of the river when all the works of improve- 
ment shall be completed. There is no urgency in this matter and it could be dis- 
cussed later when the works are nearing completion. It is most certain that all the 
parties interested — commerce, shipping, and concessions— will not protest against 
slight dues which will guarantee them the free navigation of the river up to the 
concessions. 

Therefore it was decided to call a meeting of all the members of the commission 
including those having a consultative voice, who are: The French consul, as presi- 
dent of the French municipal council; the chairman of the municipal council of the 
British and extra-British concessions; the consuls for Germany, Japan, Russia, Bel- 
gium, United States of America, as representatives of their respective concessions; 
the latter only if the project of the United States concession still holds good; the 
commanding officers at Tientsin of the Italian and Austro-Hungarian contingents, as 
representatives of the respective concessions occupied by them under orders from 
their respective legations; the chairman of the Tientsin general chamber of com- 
merce, a representative of the shipping companies. 

To this effect Mr. Ed. Cousins, of Messrs. Jardine, Matheson & Co., agents of the 
Indo-China Steam Navigation Company, the oldest shipping company trading at 
this port, has been requested to call a meeting of all the foreign shipping companies 
trading at this port and connecting Tientsin, Tongku, and Taku between them and 
with coast and foreign ports, to elect such a representative. 

So as to avoid further misunderstanding and not to have to explain all the facts in 
full detail at the meeting, it has also been decided to draw up a memorandum as com- 
plete as possible, relating all that has happened. This memorandum to be sent to 
any member of the commission, including those with consultative voice, so that they 
may come to the meeting fully enlightened on the subject. 

At a meeting called by Mr. Ed. Cousins, and held on May 11-23, the agents of the 
shipping companies elected as their representatives Mr. W. Fisher, of Messrs. Butter- 
field & Swire, agents of the China Navigation Company, Limited. 

Tientsin, June, 1901. 



Mr. Rockhill to Mr. Hay, 

No. 131.] Commissioner of the United States to China, 

Peking, China, July 9, 1901. 
Sir: I have the honor to inclose herewith for your further informa- 
tion in connection with my No. 52, of March 29 last, regarding the 
proposed reform of the Chinese foreign office, copies of correspond- 



REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 273 

ence exchanged between the foreign representatives and the Chinese 
plenipotentiaries on the subject, from which it will be seen that the 
matter has been satisfactorily settled. 

It is expected that an Imperial edict, ordering the carrying out of 
the reforms suggested by the foreign representatives, will be shortly 
issued. 

I am, etc., W. W. Rockhill. 



[Inclosure 1 in No. 131.— Translation.] 
Mr. de Cologan to the Chinese plenipotentiaries. 

Peking, April 22, 1901, 

Highness and Excellency: According to the terms of article 12 of the Joint Note, 
His Majesty the Emperor of China pledged himself "To reform the office of foreign 
affairs on the lines which the powers shall indicate." I have the honor to inform 
you by this dispatch of the conclusions reached on this subject by my colleagues. 

Having established the fact that the Tsungli Yamen has in the forty years of its 
existence abundantly demonstrated its incapacity to discharge the duties devolving 
upon it, the representatives of the powers have thought it necessary to substitute for 
it for the good of China and the harmonious relations between the Empire and 
foreign Governments an organization analogous to those existing in other countries. 

They have thought it essential to give to the future office of foreign affairs all the 
guarantees of competence, regularity, promptitude, and wise administration, lacking 
which the former one has demonstrated its incapacity, and without which the new 
one could not respond to its real purpose. 

They have not had less in mind to place in the high position which belongs to it 
in the Empire the board whose mission it is to settle, in the name of the Emperor, 
questions which should occupy the first rank in the preoccupations of China. 

The representatives of the powers think, in the first place, that the duties previously 
intrusted to the Tsungli Yamen were divided among a too large number of personages, 
and that it is necessary to substitute for the too divided and intangible responsibili- 
ties a more effective and more direct responsibility. 

. They are of opinion that the office of foreign affairs should have at its head a single 
minister, whose rank, influence, and power correspond with the exigencies of his 
situation. This minister shall have the title of "President of the Office of Foreign 
Affairs," should be a prince (Wang) or a duke (Kung), and should consequently 
belong to the Imperial family. He shall have two assistants, one of whom shall be 
chosen from among the members of the Grand Council (Chun-Chi Chii) , and the other 
shall have at least the personal rank of president of one of the ministries or boards ( Pu ) . 
These three shall have exclusive charge of the direct relations with the foreign dip- 
lomatic agents. They shall receive, each of them, a salary in conformity with the 
high functions with which they will be invested and in conformity with the usages 
obtaining in all civilized countries. They shall receive, either separately or the three 
together, the diplomatic agents who shall have to treat, in the name of their Gov- 
ernments, business with China. When the business shall be of a particularly impor- 
tant nature and the diplomatic agents shall express the wish, the president of the 
Bureau of foreign affairs shall assist personally, either alone or with his assistants, at 
the interviews asked for. For it is only on account of the probable multiplicity of 
his occupations and because his other obligations as member of the Imperial family 
may prevent him from devoting all his time to his ministry, that two collaborators 
are given him, but in reality it is he who has in the conduct of affairs the principal 
duty and responsibility. It is his name alone and his address which shall appear on 
the official correspondence of the diplomatic agents, and his two colleagues, who have 
rank and titles inferior to his, have particularly as their duty to treat current busi- 
ness, while having nevertheless quality to treat the others. 

The name of Tsungli Yamen, which recalls unpleasant memories and which does 
not express sufficiently well the importance and the authority of the power on which 
devolve under the responsibility of the order of the Sovereign the highest functions 
in the state, is done away with. It shall be replaced in virtue of an Imperial decree 
by that of Wai-wu Pu, and in the order of official precedence the Wai-wu Pu shall 
pass before the six Boards of Tribunals. 

It is desirable that the three members of the Wai-wu Pu shall have as extended 

S. Doc. 67 18 



274 REPOKT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 

a knowledge as possible of international questions and of the methods in vogue of set- 
tling them in civilized countries. So as to have under this last point of view an addi- 
tional guarantee, it will be necessary that, under the orders of the three members of 
the Wai-wu Pu, there shall be, with the title of chief of bureau, two officials capable 
by their experience and their personal competency to place the administration to 
which they are associated in more complete harmony than wps the Tsungli Yamen 
with analogous organizations existing abroad. It would also be desirable that one of 
these two high functionaries should know an European language. 

Such are the conditions laid down by the representatives of the powers for the 
reform of the Office of Foreign Affairs of the Empire, and I have the honor to request 
of your highness and your excellency to be pleased to solicit from His Majesty the 
Emperor of China the necessary measures to put the same into effect. 
I avail myself, etc., 

B. J. DE COLOGAN. 



[Inclosure 2 in No. 131.— Translation.] 

Mr. de Cologan to the Chinese plenipotentiaries. 

Peking, June 29, 1901. 
Your Highness and Your Excellency: In a letter dated the22d of April, which I 
had the honor to send you in the name of the foreign representatives, I informed 
you of the conditions laid down by them for the reform of the Office of Foreign Affairs 
of the Empire. 

I beg that your highness and your excellency will inform me what action has been 
taken on this communication. 

B. J. de Cologan. 



[Inclosure 3 in No. 131. — Translation.] 
Chinese plenipotentiaries to Mr. de Cologan. 

Peking, July 1, 1901. 

Your Excellency: On the 29th of June we had the honor to receive a communi- 
cation from your excellency in which you stated that in a letter dated the 22d of 
April, which you sent in the name of the foreign representatives, you informed us of 
the conditions laid down by them for the reform of the Office of Foreign Affairs of the 
Empire, and you desire to know what action had been taken of this communication. 

In reply, we beg to say that on receipt of the communication referred to we at 
once presented a special memorial to the throne on the subject, and a rescript was 
issued ordering the Governmental Administrative Board together with the Board of 
Civil Office to take the question into consideration and report. 

Generally speaking, the recommendations of the foreign representatives will not be 
altered, but there are minute details to be decided, and when this is done we will at 
once communicate with your excellency upon the subject. In the meantime we 
send this reply for your excellency's information. 



Mr. Eoclchill to Mr. Hay. 

No. 133.] Commissioned of the United States to China, 

Peking, China, July 15, 1901. 

Sir: For your information in connection with my No. 129, of the 
3d instant, I have the honor to inclose herewith copy of the approved 
draft of the proclamation referred to therein as having been agreed 
upon to issue in the name of the powers, reciting the events which 
brought about the occupation by the foreign forces of the province and 
the conditions under which they now evacuate it. 

This proclamation will shortly be published and posted throughout 
the province. 

I am, etc., W. W. Rockhill. 



EEPOET OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 275 

[Inclosure to No. 133.] 
Draft proclamation by the foreign Plenipotentiaries to be issued throughout Chihli. 

In the spring and summer of last year north China was the scene of grave dis- 
orders, and crimes without precedent against the laws of humanity were committed 
by the Boxers and Imperial troops. 

On June 11 the chancellor of the Japanese legation was barbarously murdered at 
the Yung-ting gate; on June 20 the envoy plenipotentiary of Germany was assassi- 
nated while going to the Tsungli Yamen to transact public business; and from that 
day to August 14 the legations of all the foreign powers at Peking were besieged and 
constantly attacked. At Tientsin the foreign concessions were bombarded for three 
weeks with heavy cannon, and repeatedly attacked by Imperial troops and hordes of 
Boxers. Both at Peking and Tientsin many foreigners were killed and wounded, and 
a great quantity of property owned by foreigners was wantonly destroyed. Else- 
where, and particularly in the province of Shensi, numbers of foreigners of different 
nations, chiefly missionaries, were atrociously murdered, and in several places foreign 
cemeteries were profaned and tombs destroyed. 

The foreign governments, as soon as they received intelligence of these doings, sent 
armies over sea to quell the disorders, protect their nationals, and chastise the 
persons who were responsible. The Taku forts, Peking, Tientsin, and Paoting, and 
other places were taken by assault, and the Imperial troops and Boxers were every- 
where overthrown in numerous battles and encounters, thousands of them being 
slain and the rest driven afar off, beyond the confines of Chihli. The princes and 
high officers of state guilty of participation in the crimes against foreigners have all 
been most severely punished, several having suffered the death penalty in accordance 
with the commands of His Imperial Majesty the Emperor of China. Provincial 
officials of all ranks have also been punished according to their offenses. 

Heavy indemnities have been exacted by all the foreign States, and all civil and 
military examinations have been suspended for a period of five years in localities 
where foreigners were murdered or cruelly treated. 

Condign punishment having thus been administered, and China, moreover, having 
expressed regrets and having promised the other reparations demanded by the foreign 
powers, friendly relations are now definitely restored, and the foreign troops of all 
nationalities will gradually return to their homes. Each power will retain a perma- 
nent guard to protect its legations, certain places between Peking and the sea will be 
occupied by foreign troops to preserve freedom of communication, and the Taku forts 
and all others which might impede this freedom of communication will be razed. 

This proclamation is issued by the representatives of the foreign powers so that all 
may know the true facts connected with the coming and going of the allied forces. 

It is also necessary that Chinese officials and people should take warning from the 
events stated and exercise extreme care to prevent any recurrence of disturbance or 
disorder. 



Mr. Rockhill to Mr. Hay. 

No. 135.] Commissioner of the United States to China, 

Peking, China, July 18, 1901. 
Sir: At the meeting of the diplomatic corps to-day the question of 
the indemnity was brought up. It had been put on the order of the 
day by me to ascertain whether some progress could not be made, 
and the deadlock brought about by the refusal of the British Govern- 
ment to accept the proposal made by Russia concerning the eventual 
raising of the tariff to 10 per cent broken. The Russian minister 
stated that it seemed to him highly desirable that the diplomatic corps 
should be informed whether the vote taken on the 11th of June on the 
subject, which, like all other votes, was taken subject to the approval 
of the various Governments, had been accepted or refused by them. 
A vote was taken, which resulted in all the representatives accepting 
the Russian proposal, the Belgian minister alone stating that his Gov- 
ernment accepted the eventual increase of the tariff to 10 per cent. 



276 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 

but that it had not referred in its instructions to him as to the ultimate 
use of the additional revenue thus derived. 

I stated, as instructed by you, that the United States had no opposi- 
tion to make to the Russian proposal. 

The British minister said that the modification introduced by him in 
the original proposal of the Russian Government, by which all Gov- 
ernments were to have the right to make such reservations as they 
thought proper before negotiations concerning the increase of the 
tariff should commence (see my No. 114, of June 11, 1901),- and which 
he had at the time accepted, had not met with the approval of his Gov- 
ernment. Great Britain, Sir Ernest Satow said, was more interested, 
in trade in China than any other nation, and it could not accept more 
than the 5 per cent effective tariff, except in consideration for certain 
commercial advantages, especially the abolition of likin. This eventual 
increase should, in the opinion of the British Government, be more 
in the nature of a surtax, revocable in case the Chinese Government 
did not carry out the concessions which it would have to make to 
secure said increase, especially as regarded likin, but, being revocable, 
it could not possibly be used as additional guarant}^ as proposed by 
Russia. 

The British Government thought the desire of Russia would be fully 
met if it was agreed that in case the revenues pledged for the payment 
of the interest on the new debt proved insufficient, the powers, at the 
proper time, should inquire what measures might be necessary to 
supply said deficit. 

The Russian minister stated that his Government had no idea of 
blocking commerce, in the advancement of which it took the liveliest 
interest, when it asked, as an additional guaranty, for the eventual raising 
of the import duties beyond 5 per cent. The interests of commerce and a 
stable guaranty could both be insured. The credit of all the powers was 
not the same; some had to show to the bankers through whom they 
would eventually have to float China's bonds that their risks were even 
less than they might suppose. The additional guaranty which it was 
sought to obtain would not absorb all the revenue derived from the 
increased tariff, possibly only a very small proportion of it, especially 
as it was not sought to replace by it the revenue derived from the salt 
gabelle; the balance of the increased tariff could be used to secure 
desired commercial concessions. The necessity of the case would 
determine the amount to be applied to the payment of interest, and it 
was even possible that none of it might ever be so required, as he fully 
concurred with the British minister and his other colleagues in the 
belief that the Chinese would strenously endeavor to meet on time, 
and in full, all their financial obligations, as they had always done in 
the past. 

The German minister thanked the Russian minister for the views he 
had expressed on commercial reforms. It was because he entertained 
similar ones that he had originally accepted the Russian proposal. 

I stated that I had only accepted the Russian proposal on account of 
the amendment introduced in it by the British minister, by which all 
of our commercial rights were protected; that I could not have agreed 
to any proposal detrimental to American commercial interests, or lose 
any of the powerful leverage which a concession of an increase of the 
tariff on imports gave us with the Chinese Government. 

After these various declarations on our part the subject was dropped, 
but it is my belief that the declared intention of the various powers 






REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 277 

to abide by their former acceptance of the Russian proposal may be 
a formal indication to the British Government that some compromise 
on its part with Russia is imperatively demanded, and I trust the dead- 
lock occasioned by this disagreement may soon be broken. 

The British minister then proposed that a vote be taken as to 
whether all the powers were willing to fix finally the sum of 450,000,000 
taels, which had until now been considered only as an approximate one, 
as the amount of the indemnity to be paid by China. 

The Russian minister remarked that it was important to finally settle 
the exact amount of the private claims, and if the sum total fell short 
of 450,000,000, the balance should be given back to China. If the 
diplomatic corps was ready to accept unconditionally 450,000,000 taels, 
he was also. 

The Japanese minister, who had formerly stated that his Govern- 
ment could not accept as a satisfactory settlement 4 per cent interest, 
declared that as the British minister's proposition was acceptable to all 
his colleagues, he, too, would accept it unconditionally, subject to the 
approval of his Government. 

The Austrian and Belgian ministers accepted it on the same condi- 
tions as the Japanese. There can be no doubt that they will receive the 
approval of their respective Governments within a day or two. 

A plan of amortization recently submitted to the diplomatic corps 
and considered by that body as better than those previously examined, 
was also accepted, and has been approved by the Chinese Govern- 
ment. * * * 

It was furthermore decided that a final protocol embodying all the 
results of the past negotiations should be drawn up and signed by the 
foreign representatives and the Chinese plenipotentiaries. This can be 
done, it is believed, as soon as the Anglo-Russian difficulty no longer 
blocks the way. 

An answer was agreed upon to be sent to the Chinese plenipotenti- 
aries accepting the proposal made by them in a recent letter as to the 
place in the palace to which the foreign representatives should be 
carried in sedan chairs at Imperial audiences. This finally closes the 
question. I will transmit copies of the correspondence in a special 
dispatch. 

The conference then took up the question of the draft convention 
and regulations prepared b}^ a subcommittee, composed of the German, 
British, and French ministers, and myself, for the organization of a 
conservancy board for the Whangpu River. The draft was accepted, 
with some slight modifications, and will be transmitted to the various 
Governments for approval, on receipt of which it will be discussed with 
and I have no doubt accepted by the Chinese Government. Within a 
day or two I will send you copies of these documents with such expla- 
nations as they may require. 

An answer to a recent Chinese note concerning the places in which 
examinations are to be suspended, and the question of the suspension 
of the metropolitan examinations, was then agreed upon. I will trans- 
mit copies of this correspondence in a separate dispatch. 

As indicated to you in several of my previous dispatches, the Rus- 
sian Government has shown much interest in the article of the Joint 
Note which provides for the maintenance of the prohibition of the 
importation of arms and ammunition into China. The Russian min- 
ister to-day brought up the subject again. He said his Government 
was much interested in it, and asked if the scheme submitted to the 



278 EEPOET OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 

conference had received the approval of the various Governments. It 
appears that none have accepted it. 

The Japanese and British ministers and I have repeatedly stated 
that, as to the period during which we thought any prohibition should 
be enforced, our Governments were in favor of the shortest possible; 
and the Japanese minister having proposed two years, my British col- 
league and I have expressed the preference of our respective Govern- 
ments for that term. 

The Russian Government would like to see it, as I have previously 
informed you, enforced for a period of at least five years. Although 
I doubt the practicability of the scheme, some attention has to be paid 
to it in view of the insistence of the Russian Government. 

* * * * * * * 

I am, etc., W. W. Rockhill. 






Mr. Rockhill to Mr. Ray. 

No. 139.] Commissioner of the United States to China, 

Peking, China, July %3, 1901. 

Sir: In my dispatch No. 75, of April 24 last, I had the honor to 
transmit to you a copy of the letter of the dean of the diplomatic corps 
to the Chinese plenipotentiaries, dated April 18, asking for the creation 
of an international concession on the island of Ku-lang su, at Amoy. 

I transmit to you herewith the further correspondence exchanged 
with the Chinese plenipotentiaries on this subject. From this it appears 
that the delay in drawing up the regulations for the government of the 
proposed concession is mainly attributable to most of the consuls at 
Amoy not having been instructed by their Governments to take up the 
question with the taotai of Amoy. The statement to this effect, made 
in the Chinese plenipotentiaries' note of July 13 (inclosure 3), is borne 
out by dispatches received at this legation from our consul at Amoy. 

I am informed by my colleagues that they have, within the last fort- 
night, had instructions sent their respective consuls at Amoy to promptly 
take up the subject with the taotai. Our consul has had such instruc- 
tions since the 21st of May last. I trust the matter may now be speedily 
settled. The regulations agreed upon between the taotai and the con- 
sular body will be submitted to the diplomatic corps for its approval. 
I am, etc., 

W. W. Rockhill. 



[Inclosure 1 in No. 139.— Translation.] 
Mr. de Cologan to the Chinese plenipotentiaries. 

Peking, June 29, 1901. 

Your Highness and Your Excellency: In a letter dated the 18th of April, I 
called your attention in the name of my colleagues to the great interest attaching to 
the creation of an international concession on the island of Kulang su. 

I have not yet received any reply to this communication. 

The appearance of the plague at Amoy gives a specially urgent character to our 
request. 

The foreign representatives direct me, therefore, to ask you to inform me without 
delay what action has been taken on the demand of the diplomatic corps in this 
matter. 

B. J. de Cologan. 



EEPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 279 

[Inclosure 2 in No. 139. — Translation.] 
Prince Ching and IA Hung-chang, plenipotentiaries, etc., to Mr. de Cologan. 

Peking, July 1, 1901. 

Youe Excellency: On the 30th of June we had the honor to receive a communi- 
cation from your excellency in the matter of the creation of an international conces- 
sion on the island of Kulangsu, Amoy. 

Your excellency states that the appearance of the plague at Amoy gives a specially 
urgent character to your request, and the foreign representatives direct you, there- 
fore, to ask to be informed without delay what action has been taken on the demand 
made in this matter. 

In reply we beg to observe that we have repeatedly telegraphed the Viceroy of 
the Min-Che provinces, Hsu, to issue instructions to have this matter satisfactorily 
arranged. On the 16th of May we again telegraphed the viceroy urging action in the 
premises, and on the 27th idem we received a telegraphic reply to the effect that in 
the matter of the creation of an international concession on the island of Kulangsu, 
the United States consul, Mr. Johnson, came to Foochow and discussed the general 
plan or outline of the rules (to govern the concession), and the viceroy ordered Ing 
Nien to assume charge of the Amoy taotaiship so that he may properly discuss the 
various details. On an understanding having been reached and the agreement signed 
the same is to be transmitted to the viceroy. 

On receiving the above telegram we at once telegraphed to Foochow urging that 
the matter be brought to a decision, and on receiving a telegraphic reply we will 
again communicate with your excellency asking you to bring the matter to the atten- 
tion of the foreign representatives. 



[Inclosure No. 3. — Translation.] 
Prince Ching and Li Hung-chang, etc. , to Mr. de Cologan, etc. 

Peking, July 13, 1901. 

Youe Excellency: Some time ago we had the honor to receive your excellency's 
communication in which you stated that the appearance of the plague at Amoy (gives 
a specially urgent character to your request) in the matter of the international settle- 
ment on the island of Kulangsu, and we were urged to telegraph the proper authori- 
ties pressing for a speedy arrangement of it. 

At the time we telegraphed Viceroy Hsu, of the Min-Che provinces, urging action 
in the premises. We have now received a wire in reply, acknowledging receipt of 
our telegram and informing us that he in turn wired Yen taotai, who reported that 
he had repeatedly urged the consular body to take up the matter of the concession 
and discuss it with him, but they informed him that they must wait until they hear 
from their ministers, hence the delay resulting in nothing having been accomplished. 
The viceroy begs us to communicate with the foreign representatives, asking them to 
telegraph their respective consuls at Amoy urging them to lose no time in taking up 
this matter. 

In regard to the question of an international settlement on the island of Kulangsu 
the foreign representatives, in urging that telegraphic instructions be sent to Amoy 
to speedily arrange the matter, no doubt did it at the request of the foreign consuls. 
How is it, then, that the taotai, on approaching the consuls with a view to arranging 
the matter, is told that they must await instructions from their ministers? There 
must be a reason for this. 

We have the honor, therefore, to address your excellency, and will thank you to 
lay this matter before your colleagues, asking them to telegraph their consuls at 
Amoy to take it up as soon as possible, in a friendly way, and arrange a satisfactory 
settlement which may prove beneficial to both countries. 



Mr. RocMill to Mr. Ray, 

No. 140.] Commissioner of the United States to China, 

Peking, Ohi?ia, July 25, 1901. 
Sir: I have the honor to transmit herewith for your information 
further correspondence between the dean of the diplomatic corps and 
the Chinese plenipotentiaries concerning the ceremonial to be followed 
at audiences with His Majest} 7 the Emperor. 



280 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 






In my dispatch No. 106, of June 4, I expressed the opinion that the 
question would not be completely settled until after the Emperor's 
return to Peking. The demand which the Chinese plenipotentiaries 
seemed quite unable to grant was that the representatives of the powers 
should be carried in sedan chairs to the hall. in which the audiences 
were to be given them. On the 10th instant, however, the Chinese 
plenipotentiaries offered to compromise by granting the foreign rep- 
resentatives the right to be borne to the foot of the steps of the outer 
entrance of the audience hall in small palace sedan chairs, a right 
enjoyed by no subject of the Emperor — not even by his father. This 
has been accepted by the ministers (inclosure 3) and the question is 
consequently closed. 

The points conceded to the powers in the negotiations are embodied 

in the memorandum which I inclose herewith. 

****** * 

lam, etc., W. W. Rockhill. 



[Inclosure 1 in No. 140. — Translation.] 
Prince Ching and Li Hung-charig, etc. , to Mr. de Cologan. 

Peking, July 10, 1901. 

Your Excellency: On the 2d of July we had the honor to receive a communica- 
tion (from the doyen) concerning the ceremonial at audiences, in which it is stated 
that the foreign representatives accept our proposal concerning the use of green chairs 
with yellow trimmings. But as to the question of the foreign representatives getting 
out of their sedan chairs at the Chien-ching gate, it would seem that in this case 
there would not be sufficient distinction made to the ceremonial in the case of visits 
of an heir to the throne or a prince of the royal blood to Peking. Besides, the Chien 
Ching gate is not far distant from the Chien-ching Kung, hence we still find it incon- 
venient to memorialize the Throne in the matter. 

If the foreign representatives can see their way to accept our former proposal to 
leave their chairs outside of the Chien-ching gate, then this will fully show that they 
are willing to make especial allowances in the case, and not cause us to be placed in 
a difficult position; for such a manifestation of kindness we would very gratefully 
remember. In the event, however, of their not agreeing to this proposal we have to 
say that, as an additional compromise, we propose that the foreign representatives 
change chairs outside the Ching-yun gate, and proceed in small chairs (i chiao) to 
the steps of the Chien-ching gate and there alight. We may state that princes, dukes, 
or high ministers of state have hitherto never been accorded this privilege. This 
will be treating the foreign representatives with great courtesy. 

As in duty bound, we address this communication to your excellency, and will 
trouble you to again lay the matter before your colleagues for their consideration and 
favor us with an early reply, so that it may be shortly decided on. 



[Inclosure 2 in No. 140. — Translation.] 
Mr. de Cologan to the Chinese plenipotentiaries. 

Peking, July 19, 1901. - 
Highness and Excellency: In reply to your letter of the 10th of this month of 
July, in which you propose that the foreign ministers going to audiences with His 
Majesty the Emperor of China should change their sedan chairs before going through 
the Ching-yun gate and, leaving there those in which they had reached that point, 
get into little sedan chairs borne by two bearers, who would carry them to the foot 
of the steps of the Chien-ching gate, I have the honor to inform you that the foreign 
representatives have declared themselves satisfied with the proposal. 
I avail, etc., 

B. J. de Cologan. 



REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 281 

[Inclosure"3 in No. 140.— Translation.! 
Memorandum on the ceremonies to be observed in solemn audiences. 

1. Solemn audiences given by His Majesty the Emperor of China to the diplomatic 
corps or to separate representatives of the powers shall take place in the hall of the 
palace called ''Chien-ching Kung." 

2. In going to and returning from solemn audiences the representatives of the powers 
shall be borne in their chairs to the outside of the Ching-yun gate. At the Ching-yun 
gate they shall alight from the chairs in which they have come and will be borne in 
small chairs (i chiao ) to the foot of the steps of the Chien-ching gate. 

Arriving at the Chien-ching gate, the representatives of the powers shall alight 
from their chairs and proceed on foot into the presence of His Majesty in the Chien- 
ching Kung hall. 

On leaving, the ministers shall return to their residences in the same manner in 
which they came. 

3. "When a representative of a power shall have to present to His Majesty the 
Emperor his letters of credence or a communication from the chief of the state by 
whom he is accredited, the Emperor shall cause to be sent to the residence of the 
representative a sedan chair with the yellow trimmings and tassels, such as are used 
by princes of the Imperial family, to convey him to the palace. He shall be recon- 
ducted in the same manner. 

An escort of troops will also be sent to the residence of the representative to 
accompany him to and from the palace. 

4. When presenting his letters of credence, or communications from the Head of 
the State by whom he is accredited, the diplomatic representative, while bearing said 
letters or communications, shall pass through the central openings in the doors or gates 
in the palace until he has reached the presence of His Majesty. On returning from 
such audiences he shall comply, as regards the doors and gates through which he 
may have to pass, to the usage already established at the court of Peking for audiences 
given to foreign representatives. 

5. The Emperor shall receive directly into his hands the above-mentioned letters 
or communications which the diplomatic representatives may have to give to him. 

6. Should His Majesty the Emperor, at any time, see fit to invite the representa- 
tives of the powers to a banquet, it is understood that such banquet shall take place 
in one of the halls of the imperial palace, and that His Majesty shall be present in 
person. 

7. In a word, the ceremonial adopted by China toward foreign representatives 
shall not, under any circumstances, be different from that which results from perfect 
equality between the countries concerned and China, without any loss of prestige on 
either side. 



Mr. Rockhill to Mr. Ray. 

No. 141.] Commissioner of the United States to Chtna, 

Peking, China, July 25, 1901. 

Sir: In further reference to the question of the suspension of exam- 
inations and as supplementing my dispatch No. 119, of June 18, 1 have 
the honor to transmit copies of correspondence recently exchanged 
between the diplomatic corps and the Chinese plenipotentiaries. 

In my dispatch No. 109 I expressed the hope that the British min- 
ister would not insist on the total suspension of the metropolitan 
examinations, which are held in Peking. The reference to the subject 
of these examinations in the note of the 19th instant of the dean of the 
diplomatic corps to the Chinese plenipotentiaries is as vague as the 
terms of the Imperial edict of June 11 on the subject, which we had 
accepted as satisfactorily disposing of the matter. The British min- 
ister takes it that by the terms of this edict the metropolitan examina- 
tions are absolutely prohibited; the other members of the conference 



282 BE.PORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 



er- 



are not willing to press the subject, and prefer not to force an inter- 
pretation of the edict, especially as the majority is satisfied that these 
examinations should only be closed to candidates from provinces in 
which foreigners were killed or maltreated during last year's troubles, 
I am, etc., 

W. W. Rockhill. 



[Enclosure 1 in No. 141.— Translation.] 
Mr. de Cologan to the Chinese plenipotentiaries. 

Peking, June 29, 1901. 

Your Highness and Your Excellency: I have the honor to acknowledge receipt 
of your letter dated the 13th of June, in which you inform us of the terms of an imperial 
decree suspending examinations in a certain number of localities. 

This decree is quite in conformity with the request which the representatives of 
the powers had instructed me to place before you. 

Article X of the collective note states that the decree suspending the examinations 
shall be posted throughout the whole Empire. I request your highness and your 
excellency, in the name of the representatives of the powers, to take the necessary 
measures so that that formality may be complied with without delay. 

B. J. de Cologan. 



[Inclosure 2 in No. 141.— Translation.] 
Prince Ching and Li Hung-chang, etc., to Mr. de Cologan. 

Peking, July 10, 1901. 

Your Excellency: On the 2d of July we had the honor to receive a communication 
from your excellency in which you say that as regards the suspension of all exami- 
nations where trouble occurred, Article X of the Joint Note states that a decree 
suspending the examinations shall be posted through the whole Empire. Your 
excellency requests us, in the name of the representatives of the powers, to take the 
necessary measures so that that formality may be complied with without delay. 

In reply, we would beg to observe that in the matter of the suspensions of exami- 
nations, there are still three points that remain unsettled: 

1. The metropolitan examinations at Peking. We asked that these should be exempt 
from the prohibition, but on the 30th of June we received your excellency's com- 
munication in reply, in which you stated that it was necessary to take this matter 
into careful consideration. At the present moment we are not aware whether the 
matter has been clearly investigated or not. 

2. Ho-chien Fu in Chihli. It appears that no foreigners were massacred or cruelly 
treated there, and the prohibition should not include this place. In the communi- 
cation of the 30th of June your excellency also stated that this matter must await an 
investigation by the foreign representatives, when your excellency would address us 
on the subject. No reply, however, has been received. 

3. On the 2d of July we addressed your excellency a communication stating that 
the governor of Honan had telegraphed us to the effect that at the following places 
(five) in Honan, namely, Nan-yangFu, Kuang-chou Fu, Chen-chou Fu, Cheng Chou, 
and Ho-nei, no foreigners were massacred or subjected to cruel treatment, and the 
examinations there should not be suspended. To this communication we have also 
not been favored with a reply. 

We have the honor, therefore, to request your excellency to bring the above ques- 
tions to the notice of the foreign representatives so that they may speedily consider 
them and an early reply be sent us, to the end that we may again memorialize the 
Throne, asking the issuance of a decree to be posted throughout the Empire in 
accordance with the terms of the Joint Note. 



REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 283 

[Inclosure 3 in No. 141.— Translation.] 
Mr. De Cologan to the Chinese plenipotentiaries. 

Peking, July 19, 1901. 
Highness, Excellency: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of the note 
which you sent me under date of the 10th of July, and in which you tell me that 
there still remains, as regards the suspension of examinations, three points to be 
settled, to wit: 

1. The metropolitan examinations at Pekin; 

2. Examinations at Ho-chien Fu, in which place you assure me that no foreigner 
was killed or maltreated, and 

3. Examinations in the five localities in the province of Honan, to wit: Nan-yang 
Fu, Kuang Chou, Chen-chou Fu, Cheng Chou, and Ho-nei. 

In reply I have the honor to observe that Ho-chien Fu was not mentioned in the 
Imperial decree of the 11th of June, which you transmitted to me in your letter of 
the 13th of June, and which the representatives of the powers accepted in a letter of 
the 1st of July. 

As a consequence, the foreign representatives have no objections to the examina- 
tions in this city being held as in the past. 

As to the five localities in Honan, in which, according to the governor of that 
province, no foreigner was massacred or maltreated, the foreign representatives, con- 
sidering that it results from precise information which they have received that for- 
eigners were cruelly treated at Nan-yang Fu and Kuang Chou, insist on the suspension 
of examinations in these two localities, whereas for the three others (Chen-chou Fu, 
Cheng Chou, and Ho-nei Hsien) they agree, in a spirit of conciliation, that exami- 
nations shall not be suspended. 

As regards the metropolitan examinations, the foreign representatives direct me to 
inform you that they must refer to the terms of the Imperial decree of the 11th of 
June, which they have recognized as satisfactory by the letter of their dean of the 
1st of July. 

I avail myself, etc., B. J. de Cologan. 



Mr. BockhUl to Mr. Ray. 

No. 142.] Commissioner of the United States to China, 

Peking, China, July 26, 1901. 

Sir: At a meeting of the diplomatic corps held to-day, the diverg- 
ence of views between the British and Russian ministers over the 
reserve guaranty, which has delayed for so many weeks the settlement 
of the question of indemnity, was brought to a satisfactory conclusion. 

The Russian minister made the following declaration: 

The Russian Government is ready not to insist on the necessity of considering at 
the present moment the eventual raising of maritime import dues above 5 per cent 
as a reserve guaranty on the condition that, should the revenues assigned to the 
service of the bonds prove insufficient, the powers will proceed jointly and at once 
to study and to determine the measures necessary for making up the deficit. 

The possibility of extending this study to the question to the increase of import 
dues should not be excluded, and, while not insisting at present on the reserve guar- 
anty which it had proposed (the Russian Government) does not thereby express its 
acceptance of the declaration made by his excellency the British minister, which 
specified that an increase of import dues above 5 per cent should be entirely used for 
the reforms indicated by Sir Ernest Satow. 

The British minister replied as follows: 

I am ready to accept, in the name of my Government, the condition annexed to 
the declaration just made by his excellency the minister of Russia — that his Govern- 
ment does not insist at the present moment on the eventual raising of the import 
duties beyond 5 per cent as a reserve guaranty. I do this the more readily since it 
agrees with the proposal which I submitted to my colleagues in our last meeting. 

As to the declaration which his excellency the Russian minister has just added, I 



284 EEPOET OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 

am obliged to say that I consider it as a declaration coming only from the Govern- 
ment which makes it, ancT that I am not authorized to change anything in what I 
have already said concerning the reserve guaranty. 

Mr. de Giers, the Russian minister, remarked on this that his decla- 
ration could apply not only to his Government, but to those others 
which might hold the same views. 

The ministers of Japan, Belgium, and Austria having declared that 
their Governments agreed to the indemnity of 450,000,000 Haikwan 
taels, with rate of interest at 4 per cent, a note was ordered to be pre- 
pared, to be sent to the Chinese plenipotentiaries, embodying these con- 
clusions. The conference furthermore agreed that, as the indemnity 
and interest were payable in gold, the 450,000,000 Haikwan taels should 
be converted into gold at the rate of exchange of April 1, 1901. The 
United States Treasury rate on that date was 1 Haikwan tael = $0,742 
United States gold. 

The question of the final protocol, in which the results of the nego- 
tiations are to be embodied, and in which are also to be incorporated 
all the details concerning the mode of payment of the indemnity and 
probably the arrangement for the creation of the Whangpu conserv- 
ancy board and the regulations governing it, was also considered, and 
a committee directed to draft it. 

The maintenance of the prohibition of the importation of arms was 
then taken up. 

The British minister said that his Government thought the scheme 
suggested by the diplomatic corps difficult to carry out, and that 
furthermore it was contingent on legislation by the various powers, 
and that the Chinese Government could prohibit all importation of 
such articles and the maritime customs could be entrusted with the 
enforcement. 

The Japanese minister shared these views, and added that his Gov- 
ernment was of opinion that permission should be granted China 
to import the arms and ammunition necessary to the interior policing 
of the country. 

The Austrian and Italian ministers were also in favor of a term of 
two years. 

I stated to my colleagues the views contained in your telegram of 
the 29th instant. I greatly doubt whether any arrangement can be 
reached by the powers on this question beyond asking China to enforce 
the prohibition against herself — not a very satisfactory solution. 

The Russian minister thought there were grave inconveniences to 
intrusting the prohibition of the importation of arms and ammunition 
to China itself, and that the measures suggested in the scheme sub- 
mitted to the diplomatic corps were not too rigorous. * * * 

I have the honor, etc. , 

W. W. ROCKHILL. 



Mr. RockMll to Mr. Hay. 

No. 143] Commissioner of the United States to China, 

Peking; China, July °27, 1901. 
Sir: For your further information in connection with that portion 
of my No. 69, of April 16 last, relating to a conference of the com- 
manders of the various military contingents as to the measures neces- 
sary to be taken to carry out Articles VIII and IX of the Joint Note, 



KEPOKT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 285 

I have the honor to inclose herewith a translation of the minutes of a 
second conference held at Tientsin July 16, under the presidency of 
General Vo}^ron, commanding the French expeditionary forces and 
senior general. 

The questions discussed by the conference were: (1) The jurisdiction 
of the military posts to be established along the railway line — Peking- 
Shanhaikwan — and the general command of the foreign expeditionary 
forces; (2) the destruction of fortifications which might impede free 
communication between Peking and the sea; (3) the entry of Chinese 
regulars into Peking, and (4) the date of the evacuation of Peking. 

I also inclose copy of the reply, of the diplomatic corps to the senior 
general, giving its views on the opinions expressed by the various 
generals in the conference of the 16th instant. 

A communication, embodying the decision reached, will be addressed 
to the Chinese plenipotentiaries by the dean of the diplomatic corps. 
I am, sir, etc. , 

W. W. Rockhill. 



[Inclosure No. 1 in No. 143— Translation.] 

Minutes of a conference of the commanders in chief of the allied forces, held at Tientsin the 
16th of July, under the presidency of Division General Voyron. 

OBJECT OF THE MEETING. 

The conference of the commanders in chief, held on the 16th of April, under the 
presidency of his excellency, Field Marshal Count von Waldersee, has considered the 
consequences of Articles VIII and IX of the terms of peace, and had, in particular, 
enumerated the fortifications to be demolished and the garrisons to be left in Pechili 
by the different contingents. There remained to settle the measures for carrying 
these into effect and to fix more precisely certain details. 

Division General Voyron, commander in chief of the French expeditionary force, 
and senior of the commanders in chief, had consequently called the meeting. All 
were present at the meeting, which began at 10 a. m., with the exception of Major 
Kobertson, of the United States Army. Brigade General Sucillon, chief of the staff 
of the French expeditionary force, acted as secretary. 

A letter of Major Robertson, dated the 14th of July, was read. In it he stated that 
the United States not having at present any military interest in the subjects under 
discussion, consequently he would not be present at the conference. 

Division General Voyron briefly outlined the plan for the evacuation of Pechili by 
the expeditionary forces. It is to compose two periods: 

First. Departure of the bulk of the troops and establishment along the lines of 
communication between Peking and the sea, in summer or in winter, of the garrisons 
necessary to insure security; maintenance at Tientsin of a supplementary contingent 
of 4,000 men until China has proved her determination to preserve order. 

The ministers accredited to the Chinese Government had already taken the opin- 
ion of the troops of their respective nationalities on the question under discussion; 
the commanders very nearly agree on the way of settling them, and there are only 
divergencies of view, on questions of detail, which it will be very easy to harmonize. 

1. The first question submitted to discussion was that of the jurisdiction of posts 
established on the railroad Peking-Shanhaikwan. 

After having stated to the members of the conference the views which each one of 
them had communicated to the diplomatic corps, General Voyron remarked that the 
duty of the allied contingents was defined by the very fact of their maintenance of 
the province of Chili, to insure security of communications between Peking and the 
sea. The localities assigned to each nation had been settled upon. There was no 
discussion about the policing of the railway stations being reserved to the British 
troops; the allied troops will have to look after the security of the line halfway to 
the next station. 

For the protection of the flanks of the line, it was indispensable that an under- 
standing should exist between the contingents, and that each post should inform its 
neighbors of any event, and, if it should be indispensable, should give aid and assist- 
ance to its neighbors. 



286 EEPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 

In case of a movement appearing serious, the commanders in chief present at 
Tientsin would have to meet to take a joint decision. 

Concerning the direction there are two systems: (1) The designation of a general 
commander in chief with authority ad hoc over all contingents; (2) the collective com- 
manders in chief who would decide jointly. 

Lieutenant-General de Lessel and General Gaselee were of opinion that there should 
be no commander in chief, and furthermore the settlement of this question depended 
exclusively on the diplomatic corps. The other commanders in chief accepted these 
views. 

Until this point shall have been settled the committee of the commanders in chief 
shall decide, when necessary, on the measures to be taken and the operations to be 
carried out. It will meet upon the call of its president whenever he shall deem it 
necessary or on the request of one of its members, who shall state the reasons for his 
asking. The call shall be made in the form used in the meeting of this day. 

As to the jurisdiction of the commanders of posts, General Voyron stated that it 
only concerned crimes or misdemeanors committed by Chinese against the railway, 
the telegraphic communications, or on the persons and goods of soldiers of the allied 
troops. It belonged to the contingents to determine themselves their judicial action 
for the repression of these crimes or misdemeanors by applying their respective mili- 
tary laws. It is well understood that the repressive action of the contingents, being 
only of a purely military object, shall not be exercised against Chinese injuring other 
Chinese; these are exclusively under native jurisdiction. 

Lieutenant-General de Lessel proposed that jurisdiction shall be exercised over a 
strip of 2 miles to the right and to the left of the railroad and under the conditions 
indicated above. Colonel Garioni observed that if evil doers should be discovered 
and pursued, the troops can not be stopped by the existence of this limit. It was 
agreed that offenders could be pursued wherever it might be necessary. 

Colonel Garioni asked what would be the relation of military posts to the regular 
Chinese troops in the neighborhood. It was agreed that if they had occasion to 
undertake any policing operations they should ask for permission to cross (the rail- 
road zone). 

General Voyron remarked that the question of jurisdiction offered a peculiarity at 
Tientsin in view of the existence of the council of the provisional government of the 
Chinese City, which was nothing more than emanation of the commanding officers 
of the allied forces. This body had made notable progress, and it would seem desir- 
able that all the contingents should let it continue its functions for some time to 
come. The general opinion was that it was advisable to retain it to the second 
period of the occupation; that is to say, until the total of the garrisons should reach 
only 6,000 men. When that time came, the council of commanders in chief could 
come to a decision as to doing away with it. 

Lieutenant-General de Lessel thought that even after the suppression of the council 
of the provisional government, when the troops of each nationality would be exclu- 
sively within their respective concessions, it would be necessary to exercise some 
control over the Chinese authorities to safeguard the interests at Tientsin of the 
important body of troops. The conference was of this opinion. The method of 
carrying it out will be examined at the proper time. 

Second. The second question concerned the destruction of Chinese fortifications 
which might prevent free communication between Peking and the sea. A list of these 
was drawn up on the 6th of April. 

Colonel Garioni, while accepting in principle the destruction of the forts at Taku 
and Shanhaikwan, thought it might be advisable to preserve these forts as a naval 
base and that it would be preferable to leave to the council of admirals the care of 
fixing the time when they should be destroyed. 

Lieutenant-General de Lessel thought, on the contrary, that these works, like the 
others, should be destroyed as soon as possible. General Voyron, General Gaselee, 
Major-General Yamane, and Colonel Glinsky were of the same opinion. 

The proposition of Colonel Garioni not having been accepted by the majority of 
the council, the commander of the Italian troops proposed that the destruction of 
these works should take place as late as possible — i. e. , at the time when the allied 
forces shall evacuate Pechili. This motion was also not accepted. 

As to the ways and means of carrying out the work, General Voyron proposed 
that the destruction of the works should take place at the expense of the Chinese 
Government, who would supply and pay the laborers necessary. This proposal was 
accepted. 

General Voyron proposed furthermore that the council of the provisional govern- 
ment of the Chinese City should be intrusted with the direction and execution of all 
the work on its territory. This proposal was also adopted. 

Lieutenant-General Gaselee proposed that the supervision of all these works should 



REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 287 

be given to a commission of technical officers of various nationalities so as to guard 
against accidents which might occur during the work. 

Lieutenant-General de Lessel objected that there was no grounds for this appre- 
hension as regards the work to be done by the provincial government, which had a 
competent staff, and that the intervention of a technical commission in these works 
would only be a source of difficulty. 

It was agreed that the duties of the technical commission should only extend to 
the works to be done outside of the area of the provisional board. Each of the com- 
manders of the allied forces shall designate an officer to serve on it and shall com- 
municate his name to General Voyron. 

General Gaselee remarked that some of the works to be destroyed, such as the 
Chinese camps, had no military value; they consisted of cantonments surrounded by 
an ordinary wall. They might be preserved. This view was accepted. 

Major-General Yamane asked that when a work was destroyed an officer of the 
nationality occupying it should be designated to come to an understanding with the 
council of the provisional government and the technical commission of the location 
and arrangement of the barracks and buildings to be preserved. 

It was furthermore agreed that the destruction of the forts was to be confined to 
the parapets, embankments, platforms, and, in general, to those portions which had 
an offensive or defensive character, but not to the buildings, barracks, etc., which 
might be useful to the allied contingents. 

General Voyron put before the council the question of handing over to the British 
military authorities Fort No. 1 at Shanhaikwan, otherwise called the International 
Fort. As long as this work, the only one which has a sea front, was armed, there 
could be no question of leaving it to a single power; but when the parapet shall 
have been demolished and when it shall be no longer armed General Voyron had, 
personally, no objection to this fort being assigned to the British troops solely. 

Colonel Glinsky was of the same opinion, subject to the same reservation. 

General Gaselee stated that it was well understood that Fort No. 3 should be 
razed, and that only the barracks and storehouses should be preserved. 

Fort No. 1 being reserved to the British troops, it was agreed, on the request of 
General Yamane, that the Japanese troops alone should occupy Fort No. 4. 

Third. The third question discussed concerned the permission to be given the 
Chinese regulars to enter Peking. 

General Voyron stated that until recently, under an understanding between him 
and General de Lassel, regulars had not been authorized to cross to the left bank of 
the Ta-Tsin-Ho. During the last few days, at the request of the diplomatic corps, 
their presence had been tolerated to a distance of 20 li of Peking. The diplomatic 
corps is of opinion that at the present time they might enter the capital. 

General Voyron thought that the regulars might be authorized to enter Peking on 
condition that the commanders of the allied forces shall be previously made aware 
of their numbers; of the names of the chiefs commanding them; of the quarters 
where they are to be camped, and of their distribution in these quarters. Lieu- 
tenant-General de Lessel was of the opinion that with the guarantees asked for by 
General-Voyron, authorization might be granted. 

Lieutenant-General Gaselee was of opinion that the regulars should not be allowed 
to come. General Garioni was of the same opinion. 

General Voyron observed that when the allied troops shall have evacuated Peking, 
the regulars will immediately enter it; that the Chinese will not fail to say that their 
presence has put to flight the European troops. If on the contrary, during a certain 
period, the allied forces remained in Peking jointly with the Chinese troops, the peo- 
ple would see that the former evacuate the capital of their own free will and at their 
convenience. 

These views are unanimously accepted, and it is decided that, until new orders, 
3,000 regulars may be authorized to enter Peking. 

Fourth. The fourth question was that of the evacuation of Peking. 

Major-General Yamane asked that a day be fixed for that purpose. He proposed 
as the date the 14th of August, the anniversary of the taking of the capital by the 
allied forces. 

Lieutenant-General Gaselee proposed the 15th of August, which was agreed to. 
It was agreed that each contingent shall leave the capital, leaving only behind the 
troops necessary for guards at the legations, according to the requirements of its 
particular plan of evacuation which depends on the arrival of its transports, etc. 

General Voyron said that the French troops would be able to leave about the 10th 
of August. Lieutenant-General Gaselee stated that the British troops would leave 
about the 18th of August. 

No objections were raised. 

The meeting closed at 11.45. 



288 . REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 

[Inclosure No. 2 in No. 143.— Translation.] 

Mr. de Cologan to General Voyron. 

Peking, July 26, 1901. 

General: The minister of France has communicated to the representatives of the 
powers the minutes of the conference of the commanders in chief of the allied forces, 
held at Tientsin, the 16th Of July, under your presidency. 

1 am directed to inform you, as president of said conference, of the views of the 
representatives of the powers on the different questions on which the commanders 
in chief of the allied forces have expressed their opinion. 

As to the first question, that of the jurisdiction of the posts a^ng the railroad line — 
Peking-Shanhaikwan — the representatives of the powers find no objection to the 
solution adopted by the conference of the commanders in chief, and mentioned in 
the minutes under No. 1. 

The representatives of the powers admit, furthermore, the observations contained in 
the letter addressed to you, under date of the 19th of July, by General von Lessel, on 
the protection of railway stations. 

As regards the question of pursuing malefactors detected in the act of an attempt 
against the railroad or the telegraph line, or against the persons or goods of soldiers 
of the allied forces, the representatives of the powers hold the same opinion as Colonel 
Garioni, but wish that, with the exception of the case of flagrante delicto, the search, 
pursuit, and arrest for the purpose of handing over the guilty to the military authori- 
ties, shall be performed, when outside of the limit of 2 miles, by the Chinese 
authorities. 

As to the question of the maintenance and the eventual suppression of the provi- 
sional government of Tientsin, the foreign representatives have expressed the opinion 
that this question having been submitted to their respective governments, it is proper 
that it should be reserved. 

An agreement having been reached by the commanders in chief of the allied forces 
on the conditions under which should take place the destruction of the Chinese forts 
which can prevent free communication between Peking and the sea, a list of which 
was drawn up in the meeting of the 6th of April, the foreign representatives give 
their assent to the conclusions reached by the conference and have directed me to 
notify the Chinese Government of the duties devolving upon it in the premises. 

As regards the entry of Chinese regulars into Peking, the foreign representatives 
propose to examine this question conjointly with their military authorities and the 
Chinese plenipotentiaries. 

As to the date of the evacuation of Peking, the foreign representatives accept the 
proposals made to them by the commanders in chief of the allied forces. 

Please accept, general, the assurances of my highest consideration. 

B. J. de Cologan. 



[Inclosure No. 3 in No. 143. — Translation.] 
General von Lessel to General Voyron. 

Tientsin, July 19, 1901. 

General: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 17th 
instant, No. 1182, in which you are so kind as to transmit to me the minutes of the 
conference of the 16th instant. 

I have only to make the two following observations: 

1. On page 2 it is said " there is no discussion on the fact of the policing of the rail- 
way stations being reserved to the British troops, ' ' etc. 

While admitting that the policing of the stations should be performed by those who 
have the working of the line, it seems to me useful to establish the fact that the 
responsibility devolving on the various commanders of posts for the security of the 
line extends also to the security of the stations themselves, and that, consequently, 
these commanders, without interfering in the police business proper, should be inde- 
pendent as regards the measures they may take to guarantee the security of the sta- 
tions and buildings pertaining thereto against attacks from whomever it may be. 

2. On page 7 it is stated: " General Gaselee stated that it was well understood that 
Fort No. 3 should be razed," etc. 

It would seem that an error has occurred here; instead of Fort No. 3 it should be 
Fort No. 1. 
The rest of the minutes are, in my opinion, correct and complete. 
Please accept, General, etc., 

Von Lessel, 
Lieutenant- General. 



REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 289 

Mr. Rochhill to Mr. Hay. 

No. 144.] Commissioner of the United States to China, 

Peking, China, July 27, 1901. 

Sir: In further reference to my dispatch No. 142 of yesterday's date, 
in which I stated that a note had been ordered drafted by the diplomatic 
corps to be sent to the Chinese plenipotentiaries accepting the indem- 
nity, I have to transmit to you herewith a translation of the French 
text of the note as finally agreed upon in a meeting held by the diplo- 
matic corps to-day. 

The provision in the note by which the Chinese Government is 
granted three years to pay off the first half-yearly amount of interest 
due on the indemnity was inserted at the request of Sir Robert Hart. 

The representatives of the powers discussed also the question of the 
date on which the new tariff should go into effect. All were in favor 
of its being applied immediately after the signing of the final protocol, 
excepting only goods in transit to China, with the exception of the 
Japanese minister and myself. We thought that two or three months' 
notice should be given. 

* ****** 

I have the honor, etc. , 

W. W. ROCKHILL. 



[Inclosure 1.— Translation.] 
Mr. de Cologan to the Chinese plenipotentiaries. 

Peking, July 27, 1901. 

Highness, Excellency: You were pleased to inform me in your letter of the 
month of May that an Imperial edict had approved of the sum of 450,000,000 hai- 
kwan taels, with interest at 4 per cent, to be paid to the powers, and had ordered you 
to take the necessary steps to carry out the Imperial decision. 

The representatives of the powers, to whom I hastened to communicate your letter, 
direct me to inform you that they take note of this decision, and that the sum of 
450,000,000 haikwan taels, payable in gold at the rate of exchange of April 1, 1901, 
with interest at 4 per cent, represents the final total of the indemnities asked by 
the powers. 

They have directed me, furthermore, to transmit to you a scheme of amortization, 
which exactly complies with the wishes of your highness and your excellency as to 
the paying off of the capital and interest. 

The service of amortization, properly so called, will commence, as is shown in the 
annexed table, on the 1st of January, 1902, and will extend over the period com- 
prised between the years 1902 and 1940, inclusive. 

China will consequently only have to pay on the 1st of January, 1902, interests on 
the sum of 450,000,000 haikwan taels for the period of six months extending from 
the 1st of July, 1901, to the 1st of January, 1902. Nevertheless, so as to give to 
China facilities for paying off these arrears the powers are willing that the amount 
should be divided over a period of three years, from 1902 to 1905, on condition that 
compound interest shall be allowed them. 

Finally, the representatives of the powers have also requested me to inform you of 
the revenues which they have decided to assign as guaranties of the bonds: 

1. The balance of the maritime customs augmented by the receipts accruing from 
the raising to 5 per cent effective of the present tariff on importations by sea, inclu- 
sive of the articles which until now have entered free of duty, but with certain 
exceptions, which will be indicated later. 

2. The revenues of the native customs, administered by the Imperial maritime 
customs. 

3. The net revenue of the (salt tax) gabelle, with the exception of the fraction 
previously assigned to other foreign loans. 

S. Doc. 67 19 



290 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 

The raising of the present tariff on importations to 5 per cent effective is consented 
to on the following conditions: 

(a) Conversion of all dues on imports at present collected ad valorem into specific 
dues. An international commission shall be appointed for that purpose and, pending 
the result of its labors, duties shall continue to be collected ad valorem. 

(b) Improvement of the course of the Peiho and the Whangpu with the financial 
participation of the Chinese Government. 

The further details concerning the mode of payment will be communicated to you 
later. 

As to the question of the evacuation of Peking, we will shortly be in a position to 
inform you of its date. 

I avail myself, etc., B. J. de Cologan. 






Mr. Bockhill to Mr. Hay. 

No. 145.] Commissioner of the United States to China, 

Peking, China, July SO, 1901. 

Sir: In several dispatches I have referred to the subject of the 
creation of a river conservancy board at Shanghai, for the improve- 
ment of the navigation of the Whangpu River. I now have the honor 
to transmit a draft of an agreement, with annexed regulations, accepted 
by the diplomatic representatives and which will undoubtedly be agreed 
to by the Chinese plenipotentiaries. It is not yet decided whether 
this arrangement shall take the form of a separate instrument or be 
incorporated in the Final Protocol, the Russian minister having hereto- 
fore declared himself against any treaty or convention with China on 
any of the pending questions. 

The main features of the agreement are the creation of an inter- 
national conservancy board in which the Chinese Government and all 
the local interests of Shanghai are represented, and, secondly, the 
division of the expenses of the works between the Chinese Government 
and the foreign community of Shanghai in about equal shares. 

The financial cooperation of the Chinese Government and the present 
consideration of this whole subject were secured by us as one of the 
conditions to our accepting an increase of the import tariff to 5 per 
cent effective. 

The additional taxes on shipping, merchandise, and real estate in the 
foreign concessions and settlements at Shanghai meet with the 
approval of the General Chamber of Commerce and the consular 
corps, and can not be considered burdensome. I trust you will 
approve of my action in agreeing to these additional taxes, which 
seem to me highly proper in principle and will result in so great a 
benefit to Shanghai. It will doubtless be highly satisfactory to our 
Government to know that it has been able to bring about the settle- 
ment of this question, which for forty years has engrossed the atten- 
tion of the foreign mercantile community of Shanghai. 

I also inclose for your information (1) the minutes of the three first 
meetings of the subcommittee for considering the improvement of the 
Whangpu, (2) a note from Sir Robert Hart on the same subject, (3) 
a pamphlet said to have been written by Mr. Bredan, commissioner of 
customs at Shanghai, which gives the customs' views on the conserv- 
ancy scheme, (4) report on the water approaches to Shanghai, by J. 
De Rijke, a Danish engineer, and (5) a precis on the efforts heretofore 
made to have the Whangpu River conserved. 1 

In my dispatch No. 108 of June 6, 1901, 2 I inclosed a pamphlet 

1 Inclosures not printed. 3 Not printed. 



REPOET OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 293 

vice-presidents. As to the other officers, secretaries, etc., their number and rank, 
the rules of appointment, salaries and grain allowances, let these matters be referred 
to the Board of Administration and board of civil office to be considered at once and 
a report thereon presented to us." 

As in duty bound, we transmit the above decree changing the Tsungli Yamen to the 
Wai-wu Pu to your excellency, and will thank you to communicate same for the 
information of your colleagues. 



Mr. Rockhill to Mr. Hay. 

No. 148.] Commissioner of the United States to China, 

Peking, China, August 6, 1901. 
Sir: In further reference to the carrying out of Articles VIII and 
IX of the Joint Note of December 22 last, the previous correspondence 
concerning which I transmitted you in my dispatches Nos. 69, of April 
16, and 143, of July 27, 1901, I have the honor to inclose herewith for 
your information a note addressed by the dean of the diplomatic corps 
to the Chinese plenipotentiaries under date of July 28 giving a list of 
the fortifications which are to be razed, and another, from the same 
to the same, stating the points which will be held by foreign troops 
to protect the lines of communication between the capital and the sea. 
lam, sir, etc., 

W. W. Rockhill. 



[Inclosure 1.— Translation.] 
Mr. de Cologan to the Chinese plenipotentiaries. 

Peking, July £<?, 1901. 

Highness, Excellency: The foreign representatives direct me to inform you that 
to insure the carrying out of Article VIII of the collective note accepted by His 
Majesty the Emperor of China it was necessary to undertake the destruction of the 
following-named fortifications: 

First. Military camp to the south of Yangtsun. 

Second. The arsenal of Hsi-ku at Tientsin. 

Third. The yellow fort at Tientsin. 

Fourth. The black fort (citadel) at Tientsin. 

Fifth. The eastern arsenal at Tientsin. 

Sixth. The two camps of Chim-liang Ch'eng. 

Seventh. The four camps at Hsin-ho. 

Eighth. All the fortifications of Taku, namely: On the right bank of the Peiho, the 
coast battery with the camp which forms a part of it, and the south fort at Taku with 
its camp; on the left bank, the northwest and the north forts. 

Ninth. All the fortifications at Pei-tang, to wit: The south fort (fort No. 1) , the 
central and the north fort (forts Nos. 2 and 3), the two works to the north of forts 
Nos. 2 and 3, the camp situated between the line of these forts and the railway. 

Tenth. All the camps existing at Lu-tai within a radius of 2,000 meters of the 
railway. 

Eleventh. The camps between Tang-ho and Shan-hai Kuan within a radius of 
2,000 meters of the railway. 

Twelfth. The forts of Shan-hai Kuan. 

The works mentioned under Nos. 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 in the present letter will be 
razed by the provisional Government of the Chinese city of Tientsin. 

The destruction of the other works, mentioned under Nos. 1, 9, 10, 11, and 12, 
devolves on the Chinese Government. This work should be carried out without 
delay by and under the direction of a technical commission composed of officers des- 
ignated for that purpose by the commanders of the allied forces. 

The representatives of the powers request your highness and your excellency to 
immediately appoint the delegate who will be directed to come to an understanding 
with the above-mentioned commission for the carrying out of these works. 

B. J. de Cologan 



294 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 

[Inclosure 2.— Translation.] 
Mr. de Cologan to the Chinese plenipotentiaries. 

Peking, China, August 2, 1901. 

Your Highness and Your Excellency: According to Article IX of the Joint 
Note accepted by His Majesty the Emperor of China, certain points to be determined 
by an agreement among the powers are to be occupied by foreign troops in order to 
maintain free communication between Peking and the sea. I am asked by my col- 
leagues to inform your highness arid your excellency that it has been decided, in pur- 
suance of the terms of this article, to occupy the following places on (or adjoining) 
the Peking-Shan-hai-kuan railway: Huang-ts'un, Lang-fang, Yang-ts'un, Tientsin, 
Chun-liang-ch'eng, Tong-ku, Lu-t'ai, Tong-shan, Lan-chou, Chang-li, Chin-wang-tao, 
Shan-hai-kuan. 

So far as Chinese subjects are concerned, the jurisdiction of the commanders of the 
military posts situated on the Peking-Shan-hai-kuan Railway will be confined to 
crimes and offenses committed by Chinese affecting the railway or the telegraphic 
communications or the persons and property of soldiers of the allied forces. It will 
be exercised over the territory along the railway to the extent of 2 miles on either 
side, and in the case of persons surprised in the act of committing offenses against 
the railway or the telegraph lines or against the persons or property of soldiers of 
the allied forces, pursuit can be continued beyond those limits wherever necessary. 
But with the exception of persons surprised in flagrante delicto, the search, pursuit, 
and arrest of offenders outside the 2-mile limit and handing them over to the foreign 
military authorities will be exercised by the Chinese authorities. 
I avail myself, etc., 

B. J. de Cologan. 



Mr. RockMll to Mr. Ray. 

No. 149.] Commissioner of the United States to China, 

Peking, China, August £, 1901. 
Sir: For your information in connection with my No. 116, of June 
13 last, on the subject of the diplomatic quarter, I have the honor to 
inclose herewith copies of certain correspondence between the dean of 
the diplomatic corps and the Chinese plenipotentiaries, from which it 
will be seen that this matter has been brought to a satisfactory 
conclusion. 

I am, sir, etc., W. W. Rockhill. 



[Inclosure 1.— Translation.] 
Mr. de Cologan to the Chinese plenipotentiaries. 

Peking, June 30, 1901. 

Highness, Excellency: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter 
of the 16th of June, concerning which I have been directed by my colleagues to 
make you the following observations: 

First. The ministers of Austria-Hungary, of Italy, and of France have already 
stated to you that the east boundary of the diplomatic quarter was fixed and main- 
tained at Ketteler street (Hata men street), and that the 100 feet to the west of the 
Hata men gate indicate the extreme limit of our occupation on the wall of the Tar- 
tar City, and have nothing in common with the limits on the street. This is what I 
had the honor to confirm to you in my letter of the 28th of May. It is, therefore, 
well understood that all the ground situated to the west of Ketteler street and start- 
ing from the foot of the wall is comprised in the diplomatic quarter. 

There has never been any question, as you seem to think, about making a new 
public road; traffic on that side is to be limited to Ketteler street. I may add that it 
is on this condition that the diplomatic corps has consented to relinquish the occu- 



REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 295 

pation of the Hata men gate and to withdraw the limit of its occupation on the wall 
to 100 feet to the west of said gate. 

Second. The foreign representatives are satisfied with your declarations concerning 
the western boundary, with the reservation that the public highway is not to be 
enlarged beyond its present limits, and that the boundary of the quarter is at 40 
meters to the west of this public highway and extends northward to the foot of the 
wall of the Imperial City. 

His excellency the minister of Russia having consented to give up the two minis- 
tries situated to the west of the present limit of the legation quarter, under reserve 
that a lot should be given to Monsignor Favier, desires to inform you that, as a result 
of an understanding reached, Monsignor Favier is to obtain the ground to the north 
of the legation street, starting from the corner of the street Fu Kuei Chieh, in close 
proximity to the Board of Rites. 

Third. As to the south limit, I inform you that in my letter of May 28 it was indi- 
cated by a line drawn at the foot of the wall along the south side, so that the part of 
the wall corresponding to the diplomatic quarter is comprised in it; consequently 
the foreign powers reserve to themselves the right to maintain on its police stations 
while binding themselves not to construct on it buildings which may change the 
exterior aspect of the wall. 

You state in your letter of the 16th of June that on this point you agree with the 
representatives of the powers; consequently it is well understood that on the summit 
of the wall, from a point situated 100 feet to the west of the Hata men to a point, A, to 
the east of the Chien men, marked on the plan which you have in your possession, 
the policing shall be done exclusively by the legation guards, and that it will only be 
lawful to build on them the shelters necessary for those guards, in the style of those 
which existed formerly, so that the exterior aspect of the wall shall not be changed. 

Fourth. As to the northern limit, in my letter of the 28th of May I informed you 
that the French minister had approved of your declaration by which this limit shall 
be at a distance of 80 meters from the Stuart road to the Viale d' Italia (Chang-ngan 
Chieh), and that these streets shall remain open to horses and wagons. It is to be 
welb understood that traffic shall only be allowed in the present Chang-ngan street 
On the 80 meters to the north and on the 40 meters to the south of this street traf- 
fic is prohibited, and no buildings shall be put up thereon. Therefore, as I wrote to 
you in my above-mentioned letter of the 28th of May, the diplomatic corps can not 
authorize the building of police stations on this ground, which is to remain abso- 
lutely free from all buildings; but it leaves the Chinese police at liberty to patrol 
Chang-ngan Chieh street to enforce the police regulations of the diplomatic quarter, 
of which a copy will be sent you shortly. You will be at liberty to build houses for 
these police agents outside of the northern boundary of this zone. 

The above explanations agree with the previous declarations of the ministers of 
Austria-Hungary, Italy, and of France, as well as with my previous communications 
on the same subject. They introduce no modifications. 

As to the last part of your letter, concerning the exterior wall of the Imperial City, 
the diplomatic corps reserves to itself to write to you ulteriorly on the subject. 
I avail myseli, etc., 

B. J. DE COLOGAN. 



[Inclosure 2. — Translation.] 
Mr. de Cologan to the Chinese plenipotentiaries. 

Peking, China, July 19, 1901. 
Highness, Excellency: In further reference to my letter of the 29th of June, con- 
cerning the limits of the diplomatic quarter, I have the honor to inform you that 
his excellency the minister of Great Britain, no longer insisting on the destruction 
of the portion of the exterior wall of the Imperial City situated to the north of his 
legation, the foreign representatives have no objection to that wall being left standing. 
Agreement on the questions concerning the limits of the diplomatic quarter having 
thus been reached, I beg your highness and your excellency to confirm this to me 
in reply to my letter of the 29th of June. 
I avail myself, etc., 

B. J. de Cologan. 



296 EEPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 

[Inclosure 3.— Translation.] 
Prince Ching and Li-hung Chang to Mr. de Cologan 

Peking, July 81, 1901. 

Your Excellency: On the 30th June last we had the honor to receive your excel- 
lency's communication in regard to the limits of the diplomatic quarter. The views 
presented by your excellency are in accord with the understanding arrived at with 
the foreign representatives. 

In the concluding paragraph, however, having reference to the outer Imperial 
wall, you state that the foreign representatives will again address us on the subject. 
We have, in consequence, been waiting for their reply, when we would again address 
your excellency, terminating this question. 

"We now learn that the British minister, Sir Ernest Satow, has agreed to rebuild 
the portions of the outer imperial wall which have been opened, and the question 
may therefore be regarded as settled. 

In sending this reply to your excellency we beg that you will communicate it for 
the information of the foreign representatives. 



Mr. Rockhill to Mr. Ray. 

No. 150.] Commissioner of the United States to China, 

Peking, China, August 8, 1901. 
Sir: In further reference to my No. 115 of June 12, last, regarding 
the erection of expiatory monuments in the foreign cemeteries which 
were desecrated during the troubles of last summer, I have the honor 
to inclose herewith for your information copies of certain correspond- 
ence between the dean of the diplomatic corps and the Chinese pleni- 
potentiaries, from which it will be seen that this matter has been 
satisfactorily settled. 

I am, sir, etc., W. W. Rockhill. 



[Inclosure 1.— Translation.] 
Mr. de Cologan to the Chinese plenipotentiaries. 

Peking, July 81, 1901. 

Highness, Excellency : Referring to the correspondence which has been exchanged 
between us concerning the carrying out of article 4 of the Joint Note, I have the 
honor to inform you that the cemeteries desecrated are seven in number, all of them 
situated in the neighborhood of the capital. They are divided as follows as regards 
their nationality: 1 British, 5 French, and 1 Russian. 

The expiatory monuments to be raised in each of these cemeteries having been 
estimated at the sum of 10,000 taels each, you have to pay the following sums: 

Taels. 

To the British legation 10,000 

To the French legation 50, 000 

To the Russian legation 10, 000 

My colleagues request me to beg you to have this payment made at the earliest 
date. 

I avail myself, etc., B. J. de Cologan. 



REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 291 

entitled "Notes of the proposed conservancy of the River Whangpoo 
at Shanghai," which contains the scheme for the creation of a conserv- 
anc} T board; this was used by the subcommittee of the diplomatic corps 
as a basis for the convention and regulations. 
1 am, sir, etc. , 

W. W. Rockhill. 



Mr. Rockhill to Mr. Ray. 

No. 146.] Commissioner of the United States to China, 

Peking, China, July SI, 1901. 
Sir: I have the honor to inclose herewith copy of a note to the dean 
of the diplomatic corps from the Chinese plenipotentiaries, acknowl- 
edging the receipt of the former's note of the 19th instant (copy sent 
you in my No. 140) and expressing gratification at the satisfactory 
settlement of the audience question. 

I am, etc., W. W. Rockhill. 



[Inqlosure. — Translation.] 
Prince Ching and Li Hung Chang, to Mr. Be Cologan. 

Peking, July 27, 1901. 

Your Excellency: On the 25th of July we had the honor to receive your excel- 
lency's communication of 19th July, as follows: 

" In reply to your letter of 10th of July, in which you propose that the foreign 
ministers going to audiences with His Majesty the Emperor of China should change 
their sedan chairs before going through the Ching-yun gate, and leaving there those 
in which they had reached that point, get into little sedan chairs borne by two 
bearers who would carry them to the foot of the steps of the Chien-ching gate, I 
have the honor to inform you that the foreign representatives have declared them- 
selves satisfied with the proposal." 

In reply, we would beg to observe that the foreign representatives having agreed 
to the proposal made by us in our communication of the 10th of July as to the place 
where they should alight from their chairs on going to audiences, and not insisting on 
placing us in a difficult position, fully evidence the fact of their friendliness and sym- 
pathy. The question of the ceremonial at audiences having now been settled, we 
will shortly send a special memorial to the Throne stating that it is now closed. 

The creation of the Wai-wu Pu (Foreign Office) has already been presented to the 
Throne, and an edict issued which we have communicated to your excellency in 
another communication. Article 12 of the Joint Note has, therefore, been complied 
with and need not be a subject of further discussion. 

In sending this reply, we beg your excellency will be good enough to communicate 
it to your colleagues. 



Mr. Rockhill to Mr. Ray. 

No. 147.] Commissioner of the United States to China, 

Peking, China, July 31, 1901. 
Sir: I have the honor to inclose herewith a translation of a note 
addressed to the dean of the diplomatic corps by the Chinese plenipo- 
tentiaries on the 27th instant, giving the terms of an Imperial decree 
creating the Board of Foreign Affairs. The Emperor gives this board 
precedence in official rank over the heretofore existing six great min- 
istries (or boards) of state, and appoints a president, two ministers, and 
chiefs of bureau with the rank of vice presidents of boards to it. 



292 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 

The decree is in absolute conformity with the requests of the foreign 
representatives contained in the note of the dean of the diplomatic 
corps to the Chinese plenipotentiaries of April 22 last, copy of which 
was sent 3^011 with my No. 131 of July 9. 

The president of the foreign office is I K'uang, better known as 
Prince Ch'ing, who has been president of the Tsungli Yamen since 1881. 

The two ministers, who are to be with him the responsible heads of 
the office, are: (1) Wang Wen-shao, a native of the province of Che- 
kiang, a member of the Grand Council of State (or Imperial Cabinet); 
he has held many high offices of state, having been twice a minister of 
the Tsungli Yamen and Viceroy of Chih-li; and (2) Ch'ii Hung-chi, a 
native of Hu-nan, formerly Vice-president of the Board of ceremonies; 
he has recently been raised to be a member of the Grand Council of 
State. 

The two chiefs of bureau have both had experience in the diplomatic 
service. Hsu Shou-peng was secretary of legation in Washington 
under Chang Yin-huan, and until recently held the position of min- 
ister to Korea. He understands a little English. Lien Fang is an 
accomplished French scholar. He accompanied Anson Burlingame's 
mission abroad, has been secretary of legation in France, and is French 
secretary of Prince Ching. 

On the whole, the composition of the new ministry may be con- 
sidered as quite satisfactory, and makes a new and most important 
change in our relations with China, giving as it does preeminence to 
the foreign relations of the Empire over all other branches of its 
administration. 

I am, etc., W. W. Rockhill. 



[Inclosure. — Translation.] 
The Chinese plenipotentiaries to Mr. de Cologan. 

Peking, July 27, 1901. 

Your Excellency: On the 22dof April we had the honor to receive a communica- 
tion from your excellency in which you pointed out that by Article XII of the Joint 
Note the Chinese Government shall undertake to reform the Office of Foreign Affairs. 

At the time we presented the matter, as communicated by your excellency to us, 
in a memorial to the Throne, and asked for the issuance of a decree on the subject. 
We have now received a telegram from Si An, stating that the grand secretariat on 
the 24th of July received the following decree: 

"Hitherto the appointment of officials and assigning to them the performance of 
certain official duties was for the reason that they could do what is suitable as occasion 
required. As the treaties are now being revised and settled, the first essential is to 
give due importance to the question of friendly intercourse among nations. To culti- 
vate friendly relations in a sincere and faithful manner we must depend on our sub- 
ordinates being men of the right caliber. 

"The Tsungli Yamen was created for the purpose of transacting international 
affairs. Although it has been in existence for many years, the princes and ministers 
appointed to the charge of the duties thereof have been intrusted with the discharge 
of many other duties, and in consequence they have been unable with their entire 
energies and faculties to attend properly to the duties of the office. It is right, there- 
fore, that special offices be created in order to assign to each incumbent his proper 
duty or responsibility. It is hereby ordered that the Tsungli Yamen be changed to 
Wai-wu Pu, Foreign Office, and it shall take precedence of the six Boards. 

Prince Ch' ing is hereby appointed President; the Grand Secretary, Wang Wen-shao, 
is appointed Minister, and the President of the board of works, Chii Hung-chi, is 
transferred to the Wai-wu Pu as minister, with the title of Shang shu (i. e., President 
of a board). 

Hsu Shou-peng, director of the imperial stud, and Lien Fang, an expectant director 
of a minor court, are hereby appointed chiefs of bureau with rank of senior and junior 



REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 301 

[Inclosure No. 1. Dispatch No. 155.— Translation.] 
Chinese plenipotentiaries to Mr. Be Cologan. 

Peking, August 17, 1901. 

On receipt of the dispatch and the annexed regulations concerning the conservancy 
of the Woosung River, which was sent us a few days ago by your excellency, we 
hastened to submit the question to the examination of the Superintendent for southern 
trade. 

We have received to-day from the latter the following telegraphic reply: 

"I took up these last days, with several foreign consuls, the question of carrying 
out (this scheme). The British consul told me that his minister had confined him- 
self to telegraphing to him to inform me of it, without having directed him to enter 
into a discussion on the subject. Consequently I confined myself to asking him to 
submit my views on the matter, without being able to discuss the question. 

"This subject being part of an international agreement, it is naturally to you that 
it belongs to discuss it with the foreign ministers. 

"As my consent has already been given to the deepening of the river, it is proper 
that the execution of the work should belong to China, and it is necessary that the 
sovereign right of China should be recognized. It would be proper that the proposed 
board should be a Chinese board rather than a foreign one. I beg, therefore, that 
you will take steps to preserve to us the control, following the lines laid down clearly 
and in detail in my different telegrams, so that no disagreement shall arise in the 
future. This is much to be desired for the general interest. 

"As to junks and Chinese-owned land, the British consul told me orally that there 
had originally been no intention of taxing them. Some time after the German con- 
sul assured me also that no tax would be levied on native boats, and that the land of 
Chinese would be subject to a very light tax of one-tenth of 1 per cent. Consider- 
ing the poverty of the common people, it would seem that this tax might be given 
up, and that if the seven-tenths of the revenue of the tonnage dues should be insuf- 
ficient — the three other tenths being reserved for the expenses of the ministry of 
foreign affairs — it would be necessary for the carrying out of these works to use cus- 
toms receipts. I would also ask of you in this matter to take some decision and to 
submit a memorial to the Throne. The ministers of America and Japan have tele- 
graphed to me to beg me to give my consent, and I at once consented to the opening 
of the river. But it is necessary that we should be preserved in our sovereign rights. 
The board in question should be organized by the customs taotai and the commissioner 
of customs. The control over the expenses necessitated for the works will be exer- 
cised jointly with the delegates of the powers. The agents employed on the works 
will be engaged jointly by the different powers, but all the other questions are sub- 
ject to the sovereign authority of the taotai and the commissioner of customs. After 
the completion of the works the taxes should be abolished, the board dissolved, and 
the future management should return entirely to the taotai and the commissioner of 
customs. 

"The above are the points on which I beg you to negotiate with the ministers and 
obtain their acceptance." 

We, prince and minister, have therefore to state that the Superintendent of south- 
ern trade has already given his consent to carrying out the works of deepening the 
Woosung River, but, as that high official adds, the sovereign rights of China should 
be recognized. The board should appear as a Chinese board, and be organized by 
the taotai and the commissioner of customs. The control of the expenses of the 
undertaking, however, shall be exercised conjointly with the delegates of the powers. 
It will therefore be necessary, in such articles as the twenty -seventh, thirty-third, 
and thirty-fourth, which require the agreement of the consulate body, to make men- 
tion of the taotai of Shanghai before the consular body. By so doing the rights of 
sovereignty will remain unimpaired. 

As regards junks and Chinese-owned land, since the British consul has not expressed 
the opinion that they should be taxed and the German consul has given assurances 
that junks would not be taxed, and that it is also possible to give up the idea of 
levying taxes on Chinese-owned land, we think that the foreign plenipotentiaries 
will agree with us on this point. We have therefore to ask that paragraphs 1 and 2 
of article 30, concerning revenues, shall be stricken out, and that, in case of insuffi- 
ciency of tonnage dues, we will take upon us to submit to the Throne a report pro- 
posing to make up the deficit by means of the 5 per cent effective customs dues. 

We deem it therefore necessary to address the present official communication to 
your excellency, and to beg you to submit it as soon as may be to the examination 
of the foreign plenipotentiaries, so that they may, without any delay, come to a favor- 
able decision upon it, which Ave heg you will communicate to us. 

This in consideration of our friendly relations. 



302 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 

[Inclosure 2. — Translation.] 
Mr. de Cologan to the Chinese plenipotentiaries. 

Peking, August 18, 1901. 

Highness, Excellency: I hastened to transmit to my colleagues your letter dated 
the 17th of August, in which you informed me of the observations and requests of 
His Excellency Liu Kun-yi concerning the regulations for the improvement of the 
course of the Whangpu, and I have the honor to inform you of their reply. 

The representatives of the powers direct me unanimously to inform you that they 
consider the question of the regulations for the Whangpu as being finally agreed 
upon, and that it is consequently impossible for them to reopen the discussion on 
that subject. They insist that you shall immediately submit this reply to the 
Throne, so as to obtain from it in the shortest time authorization to sign the final 
protocol. 

This point being dismissed, my colleagues wish you to remark that they have 
never had the intention of infringing upon the sovereign rights of the Chinese 
Government. 

Nevertheless, they do not see their way to comply with the request of the Super- 
intendent of southern trade as regards the formation of the board by the taotai and 
the inspector-general of customs, for this request goes against the steps which they 
have taken to maintain an equal division between the important interests concerned. 
It can not be conciliated with the guaranties the powers have been led to ask of 
China, and which they have chosen after careful study. Furthermore, the presence 
of the taotai and .the commissioner of customs on the board -gives to China an 
important representation, sufficient to safeguard its rights and its interests. 

As you may convince yourself, the regulations in question only impose taxes on 
ships of non-Chinese type; that is to say, that native junks are exempt from these 
duties. 

The taxes on property situated along the Whangpu do not constitute a heavy 
burden, especially in view of the appreciation of value the improvement of the 
course of the river will give to this property. This consideration, which can not 
escape the superintendent of southern trade, obliges the representatives of the pow- 
ers to insist on the taxation of real estate along the bank of the Whangpu. 

The remark of the superintendent of southern trade concerning handing over the 
completed works to the Chinese Government after a term of twenty years is pre- 
mature. 

As regards the telegram of His Excellency Liu Kun-yi referring to the inadequacy 
of the tonnage dues to cover the portion to be contributed by the Chinese Govern- 
ment, the representatives of the powers have to recall to you that these tonnage 
dues, being assigned to foreign loans, China will be, under all circumstances, obliged 
to pay the amount of its contribution for the expenses of the works in question from 
other sources. 

Articles 33 and 34 stipulate that the board shall submit for the approbation of the 
consular body at Shanghai such increases of taxes as it may have to decide upon, 
and also its report on the annual accounts. Your highness and your excellency 
have asked that the approbation of the taotai should be also needed, and that the 
official should be mentioned before the consuls. My colleagues have the honor to 
call your attention to the fact that the taotai, being also a member of the board, can 
not be invested with the power of approving the decisions of this assembly, and 
that in no case is it possible to place him before the consular body of the powers. 
But being, nevertheless, desirous to show their spirit of conciliation, and to give your 
highness and your excellency and also His Excellency Liu Kun-yi proof of high 
esteem, the representatives of the powers agree to stipulate in articles 33 and 34 that 
the decisions of the board shall be communicated to the superintendent of southern 
trade, and to mention this high official before the consular body. 

Finally, my colleagues insist that I shall call your attention to the fact that the 
improvement of the course of the Whangpu is one of the conditions made by the powers 
for their acceptation of the raising of the tariff on maritime imports to an effective 5 per 
cent; that the above-mentioned regulations form an integral part of the clauses resulting 
from the note of the 22d of December, 1900, and that it has been approved by all 
foreign governments. In consequence of this, they put the said condition to the 
concession mentioned above. 

I avail myself, etc. B. J. de Cologan. 



REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 297 

[Inclosure 2.— Translation.] 
Prince Ching and Li Hung-chang to Mr. de Cologan. 

Peking, August £, 1901. 

Your Excellency: On the 31st of July we had the honor to receive your excel- 
lency's communication having relations to article 4 of the Joint Note. Your excel- 
lency points out that several communications have passed regarding proposed action 
to be taken in the premises, and now calls attention to the fact that there are seven 
cemeteries that have been desecrated and where expiatory monuments are to be 
erected, at an estimated cost of 10,000 taels each. Ten thousand taels should be paid 
to the British legation, 50,000 taels to the French legation, and 10,000 taels to the Rus- 
sian legation. You request, on behalf of foreign representatives, that this money be 
paid without delay. 

In reply, we beg to send you three bank notes for the sum due, namely, one for 
10,000 taels, to be paid the British legation, one for 50,000 taels, to be paid the French 
legation, and one for 10,000 taels, to be paid to the Russian legation, in all 70,000 
taels, which we ask your excellency to receive and forward to their respective desti- 
nations, and to favor us with a reply. 

(Inclosures: Three Hongkong and Shanghai bank notes amounting to 70,000 taels.) 



Mr. RocJcMll to Mr. Hay. 

No. 151.] Commissioner of the United States to China, 

Peking, China, August 8, 1901. 

Sir: In my dispatch No. 142, of the 26th instant, I referred to the 
probability of the powers, in view of their inability to devise a prac- 
ticable scheme for enforcing the prohibition of the importation of 
arms and ammunition into China, asking the Chinese Government to 
take the necessary measures itself to attain the desired end. 

This step has been finally decided upon, and the inclosed note has 
been addressed by the dean of the diplomatic corps to the Chinese pleni- 
potentiaries. I am advised that the edict asked for will be promptly 
issued. It is believed that it is very unlikely that a renewal of the 
first term of two years will be asked for, the powers being now gen- 
erally adverse to this provision of the Joint Note. 
I am, sir, etc., 

W. W. Rockhill. 



[Inclosure.— Translation.] 
Mr. de Cologan to the Chinese plenipotentiaries. 

Peking, August 6, 1901. 

Highness, Excellency: The representatives of the powers, with the object of secur- 
ing the execution of the Joint Note of December 22d, 1900, accepted by His Majesty 
the Emperor of China, have directed me to request you to solicit the signing of an 
Imperial edict prohibiting for the term of two years the importation of arms and 
ammunition, as well as of material serving exclusively for the manufacture of arms 
and ammunition. 

My colleagues would be pleased if this edict were published as soon as possible, so 
that it may be annexed to the Final Protocol. 

In fixing at the present moment a term of two years for the prohibition of the 
importation into China of the above-mentioned articles, the representatives of the 
powers wish to make it clear at the same time that after the expiration of this term, 
new Imperial edicts, renewing from two years to two years the prohibition of the 
importation of arms and ammunition, as well as of material used exclusively for the 
manufacture of arms and ammunition, shall be promulgated if the powers request it. 
I avail myself, etc., 

B. J. de Cologan. 



298 REPOKT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 

Mr. Rockhill to Mr. Hay. 

No. 152.] Commissioner of the United States to China, 

Peking, China, August 9, 1901. 

Sir: The Final Protocol embodying the results of the negotiations 
was to have been submitted on the 6th instant to the conference by 
the committee charged with drafting it, but the British minister the 
evening before the meeting sent word that he could not attend the 
meeting and asked that it be deferred to a later date. No reasons 
were given for asking the postponement. 

The day before yesterday Sir Ernest Satow called on me and told 
me he had asked that the meeting be deferred because he was without 
instructions from his government, to whom he had telegraphed the 
text of the Protocol (before its acceptance by the drafting committee, 
I may remark). He had now received the expected instructions. His 
government objected to a number of passages in the draft. It wanted 
the insertion in Article VI, paragraph <?, of a clause to the effect that 
"no conversion, redemption, or cancellation of the bonds shall take 
place otherwise than by action of sinking fund, which shall be neither 
increased nor diminished without the consent of the powers." 

The British Government also objected to the international commit- 
tee for the conversion of ad valorem duties into specific, claiming that, 
the tariff in force at present being the British one, the most-favored- 
Jiation clause will protect all interests, and that it could not admit of 
its tariff being converted by an international board. These are the 
principal objections. 

The first clause which Great Britain wishes to have introduced was 
originally suggested by the Japanese Government, but, in view of the 
strong opposition which developed against it, the matter was wisely 
dropped. The clause read, when suggested by Japan: 

No conversion, redemption, or cancellation of the bonds shall take place other- 
wise than by action of sinking fund, and, as long as any portion of the bonds remains 
unpaid, China shall not grant to any power any separate or exclusive territorial or 
financial advantages. 

As I did not believe that this provision could accomplish the object it 
had in view, I have never supported it, and have held that it would 
undoubtedly offend some of the powers, who would categorically refuse 
to accept it. The Russian minister has since stated that he would not 
agree to it, and several of the other representatives hold the same 
views. 

The refusal of the British Government to agree to the international 
commission for the conversion of the tariff is wholly inexplicable, for 
the commission was unanimously accepted by the conference on June 
11, when it was proposed by the Japanese minister as a condition for 
his acceptance of my proposal to convert the import duties into spe- 
cific ones. The Chinese Government was duly informed on July 27 
(see my No. 144, of that date) that this commission was one of the con- 
ditions asked for in return for the powers agreeing to a 5 per cent 
effective import duty. 

* * * * * * * 

I have the honor, etc., 

W. W. Rockhill. 



EEPOET OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 299 

Mr. RockUll to Mr. Hay. 

No. 153.] Commissioner of the United States to China, 

Peking, China, August 12, 1901. 

Sir: I have the honor to inclose herewith copy of a note addressed 
by the dean of the diplomatic corps, under date of the 8th instant, to 
the Chinese plenipotentiaries, asking the financial cooperation of their 
government in the work of improving the navigability of the Peiho 
and Whangpu rivers, and their acceptance of the regulations concern- 
ing the organization, duties, and revenues of the Whangpu River Con- 
servancy board. a 

The regulations will figure as an annex to the Final Protocol. 
I am, etc. , 

W. W. ROCKHILL. 



[Inclosure in No. 153. — Translation.] 
Mr. de Cologan to the Chinese plenipotentiaries. 

Peking, August 8, 1901. 

Highness, Excellency: As I had the honor to write you on the 30th of July, the 
representatives of the powers, in consenting to the raising to 5 per cent effective of 
the present tariff on maritime imports, have decided to ask of China, as a compen- 
sation, to participate financially in the improvement of the courses of the Peiho and 
the Whangpoo. 

As regards the Peiho, the works for improvement commenced in 1898 have recently 
been resumed by an international committee in which the Chinese Government will 
be able to be represented as soon as the administration of Tientsin shall have been 
handed over to it. The representatives of the powers have only to request the 
Chinese Government to pledge itself to pay annually to the said commission a sum 
of 60,000 Haikwan taels for the maintenance of the works. 

As regards the Whangpu, a conservancy board, charged with the direction and 
control of the works, is to be created. This board shall consist of members repre- 
senting the interests of the Chinese Government and those of the foreigners engaged 
in the shipping trade of Shanghai. The expenses entailed by the works and the 
general management of the undertaking are estimated at the sum of 460,000 taels 
during the first twenty years. This sum shall be supplied in equal portions by the 
Chinese Government and foreign interests. The detail of the stipulations concerning 
the composition, duties, and revenues of the board are given in the inclosed Projet 
de reglement. 

By taking cognizance of this latter document, your highness and your excellency 
will see that the powers, taking into consideration the present financial condition of 
the Empire, ask only of China the pecuniary sacrifices indispensable for the general 
interests in question. 

I avail myself of this opportunity, etc., 

B. J. de Cologan. 



Mr. RockUll to Mr. Hay. 

No. 154.] Commissioner of the United States to China, 

Peking, China, August 12, 1901. 

Sir: In my telegram of the 8th instant and in my dispatch No. 152 
of the 9th I referred to the refusal of the British Government to accept 
the international commission for the conversion of the tariff, which the 
conference considered had been finally accepted on June 11 last. 

To-day, at a meeting of the diplomatic corps, the Final Protocol was 

a p or regulations, see Final Protocol, annex No. 17. 



300 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 

again discussed and an agreement reached on every part of it, except 
the above-mentioned provision. The British minister stated that he 
would not refuse to sign the protocol if it was embodied in it, but in 
case he did sign he would have to note on the Protocol the reserve of 
his Government as to this clause. 

It being held by the conference that such a course was not desirable, 
and in the hope of closing definitely the final protocol the representa- 
tives of the powers, while expressing their disapproval of reopening 
a question considered settled by a unanimous vote as far back as the 
11th of last June, and on condition that no other question should be 
raised but the Protocol finally accepted, agreed to the British formula, 
which reads as follows: 

All duties on imports levied ad valorem shall be converted into specific duties, so 
far as it is possible to do so, and with the least delay. 

The paragraph read originally: 

An international commission shall be appointed for that purpose. The powers 
having a treaty with China and also the Chinese Government can be represented on 
it by one or more delegates, but they can only have one vote. 

The chief argument of the British minister against this commission 
was that it would be unwieldly; as votes would have to be unanimous, 
it would take a very long time to complete its work, the number of 
articles on the tariff being over 1,250. 

It is the intention of the British Government to ask the chief com- 
mercial powers in China, Japan, Germany, and the United States to 
join with it in the work of conversion of the tariff conjointly with the 
Chinese maritime customs. 

****** 

The free list was also agreed upon after a short discussion, and with 
that the Final Protocol was definitely accepted. A copy of it will be 
sent at once to the Chinese plenipotentiaries and they will be asked 
when they can sign it. 

I have the honor, etc., W. W. Rockhill. 



Mr. Rockhill to Mr. Hay. 

No. 155.] Commissioner of the United States to China, 

Peking, China, August 19, 1900. 

Sir: I have the honor to transmit to you herewith translation of a 
letter addressed by the Chinese plenipotentiaries to the dean of the 
diplomatic corps under date of the 17th instant, informing him of the 
objections raised by the Superintendent of southern trade, the Viceroy 
Liu K'un-yi, to the Whangpu River conservancy scheme, and also the 
reply of the dean of the diplomatic corps to the same, stating the con- 
cessions made to Viceroy Liu's views and the reason for not making 
further alterations in the scheme. 

The letter of the Chinese plenipotentiaries was written on my sug- 
gestion, Viceroy Li Hung-chang having told me that he was bound to 
put on record the Nanking viceroy's views, although he and Prince 
Ching were willing to accept the plan drawn up by the diplomatic 
representatives, with the amendments offered in Articles XXXIII and 
XXXIV of the Regulations. 

I am, etc., W. W. Rockhill. 






REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 303 

Mr. Bockhill to Mr. Ray. 

No. 156.] Commissioner of the United States to China, 

Peking, China, August %9, 1901. 

Sir: I have the honor to transmit herewith for your information 
translation of a note sent by me to the Chinese plenipotentiaries asking 
that prompt action be taken on my note of July 1 last, asking for the 
rehabilitation of Chang Yin-huan, also translation of the reply of 
the Chinese plenipotentiaries received yesterday. 

Viceroy Li Hung-chang has repeatedly assured me of late, in con- 
versation, that he could promise me that favorable action would be 
taken by the Government on our request. 

I am, etc. W. W. Rockhtll. 



[Inclosure No. 1. Dispatch No. 156.— Translation.] 
Mr. Bockhill to the Chinese Plenipotentiaries. 

Commissioner of the United States to China, 

Peking, August 27, 1901. 
Your Highness and Your Excellency: On the 1st of last July I had the honor 
to communicate to you the earnest desire of my Government to see rehabilitated the 
memory of Chang Yin-huan, late minister of His Imperial Majesty the Emperor of 
China to the United States, who was put to death last year in Turkestan. 

Not having heard from your highness and your excellency on the subject, I have 
the honor to recall the matter, in which my Government takes great interest, to 
your attention, and would deem it a great personal favor if His Majesty's Government 
could be communicated with by telegraph on the subject. 

Hoping that I may promptly be in a position to inform my Government that its 
wish has been complied with, I avail myself of this opportunity to renew to your 
highness and your excellency the expression of my highest consideration. 

W. W. Eockhill. 



[Inclosure No. 2. Dispatch No. 156.— Translation.] 
Prince Ching and Earl Li to Mr. Bockhill. 

Peking, August 28, 1901. 

Prince Ching, minister plenipotentiary, etc., and Li, minister plenipotentiary, 
grand secretary, etc., send this reply: 

We have the honor to acknowledge the receipt, on the 14th of this moon (August 
27), of your excellency's dispatch, making urgent inquiry concerning the matter of 
cleansing from stain the memory of Chang Yin-huan, formerly minister of China to 
the United States. 

As to this matter we have already prepared a memorial stating in detail the cir- 
cumstances, which was forwarded by fast courier to His Majesty, and we now await 
His Majesty's reply, on receipt of which we will again write and inform your excel- 
lency. To this end we send this reply. 



Mr. Bockhill to Mr. Hay. 

No. 157.] Commissioner of the United States to China, 

Peking, China, August W, 1901. 
Sir: In my dispatch No. 151, of the 8th instant, I had the honor to 
inform you that the representatives of the powers had requested the 
Chinese plenipotentiaries to memoralize the Throne for an edict pro- 



304 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 

hibiting the importation of arms, ammunition, and of materials used 
exclusively for their manufacture for a period of two years. 

I inclose herewith a note from the Chinese plenipotentiaries to the 
dean of the diplomatic corps transmitting- the text of an edict, pro- 
mulgated the 25th of August, prohibiting said importation, and also 
the reply of the dean of the diplomatic corps to the same, dated the 
28th instant. 

Although I did not fully agree with my colleagues that the facts 
stated in the edict are not true, I did not think it necessary to refuse 
to agree to the letter. 

I am, etc, W. W. Rockhill. 



[Inclosure No. 1. — Dispatch No. 157.— Translation.] 
The Chinese plenipotentiaries to Mr. de Cologan. 

Peking, August 26, 1901. 

On receipt of the telegraphic report sent by us to the Throne to make known the 
fixing of a term of two years, during which should be prohibited the importation of 
arms and ammunitions, and to request an Imperial edict for that purpose, we learn 
by telegram from the grand council at Si-an that the following edict has been pro- 
mulgated on the 12th of the present month (August 25): 

"The importation of arms is contrary to law. Nevertheless, traders at the ports 
open to commerce are constantly, under pretext of official purchases, importing and 
clandestinely selling these arms. Considering that recently peace has been troubled 
by brigands, and that it is highly important to publish express prohibitions so as to 
prevent the occurrence of troubles, we command all Tartar generals, governors-gen- 
eral and governors of provinces, as well as customs taotais to prohibit, in the first 
place for a period of two years, the importation of arms and of materials serving 
exclusively in their manufacture and coming from abroad. 

"Inform the board concerned. 

"By Imperial order." 

Although this decree will be promulgated by the grand secretariat, we deem it neces- 
sary to communicate it to your excellency by the present dispatch, requesting you 
to bring it to the knowledge of the foreign plenipotentiaries. 



[Inclosure No. 2, dispatch 157.— Translation.] 
M. de Cologan to the Chinese plenipotentiaries. 

Peking, August 28, 1901. 

Highness, Excellency: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter 
of the 26th instant, by which you transmit to me an Imperial edict prohibiting the 
importation of arms and ammunition. 

The representatives of the powers after having examined this document have 
directed me to forward to you the following observations: 

( 1 ) The preamble of this edict, not being in conformity with facts and restricting 
the bearing of Article V of the Joint Note of the 22d December, 1900, should be 
struck out. 

(2) The prohibition of the importation of arms and ammunition and of material 
used exclusively in the manufacture of arms and ammunition, applied to the Chinese 
Government itself as well as to all its agents. 

In view of the above, the only portion of the Imperial edict which will be annexed 
to the Final Protocol is the following: 

"We command all Tartar generals, governors-general, and governors of provinces, 
and also the customs taotais to prohibit, in the first place for a period of two years, 
the importation of arms and of materials used exclusively in their manufacture and 
brought from abroad. 

"Inform the board which it concerns. 

' ' By Imperial order. ' ' 

I avail myself of this opportunity, etc., B. J. de Cologan. 



REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 305 

[Translation.] 

Minutes of the third conference with the Chinese plenipotentiaries, held 

September 7, 1901. 

The diplomatic corps, comprising the ministers of Germany, Austria- 
Hungary, Belgium, Spain, France, Great Britain, Italy, Japan, Hol- 
land, Russia, and the plenipotentiary of the United States met at 11 
o'clock at the Spanish legation under the presidence of Mr. de Colo- 
gan, doyen, and affixed their names to the final protocol of the nego- 
tiations. 

The representatives of the powers were nearly all accompanied by 
the first secretaries and inteipreters of their legations. 

Prince Ch'ing and Li Hung-chang, Chinese plenipotentiaries, were 
accompanied by M. Lien Fang, under secretary of foreign affairs, and 
M. Tseng, secretary of the governor-general Li Hung-chang, who 
acted as interpreters. 

After the Chinese plenipotentiaries had affixed their names and seals 
to the twelve copies of the protocol, the foreign ministers also signed 
these documents. This done, the doyen rose and read the following 
discourse: 

"Highness and Excellency: We have just signed a document of 
the greatest importance, which establishes the normal relations of 
amity between the foreign nations and the Chinese Empire. 

" This act is the consequence of extraordinary events which are not 
pleasant to repeat here. It is the earnest wish of my honorable col- 
leagues and myself that in the lapse of time these events will be more 
and more enveloped with those of the past. Thanks to the faithful 
accomplishment of the different clauses of this protocol. It is in this 
manner that China will demonstrate its sincere intention to cultivate 
the best international relations, and it is also in this manner that the 
protocol will produce its fruits of good and cordial amity in the future. 
Such is the earnest desire of the Governments and their representa- 
tives here present who, during the lengthy negotiations which they 
have pursued with you as Chinese plenipotentiaries, have exercised 
their best efforts to prove to you their good will by making you all 
possible concessions. 

"We congratulate ourselves for having contributed to this desirable 
result, and I have the honor to address to your highness and to your 
excellency the most sincere wishes which we cherish for the peace and 
happiness of the Empire." 

M. Morisse translated the discourse of M. de Cologan, to which 
Prince Ch'ing responded as follows, in Chinese, M. Lien Fang acting 
as interpreter: 

"Messieurs les Ministres: It becomes my pleasure to thank you, 
in the name of my colleague and myself, for the words which your doyen 
has seen fit to pronounce on the occasion of the signing of the impor- 
tant document which reestablishes normal relations of amity between 
the foreign powers and the Chinese Government. 

"This document has a most important function to perform; it has to 
efface the consequences of the criminal and unprecedented events of 
last year and to preserve our friendly relations. 

" We give you our formal assurance that such events as these shall 
never occur again. 

S. Doc. 67 20 



306 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 

"We thank the representatives of the powers for the good will which 
they have shown and for the concessions which they have made us in 
the course of these lengthy negotiations. We entertain the most sin- 
cere wishes for the sovereigns and rulers of the powers. We earnestly 
wish that constant peace and perpetual amity may reign between our 
respective Governments, and that your excellencies may enjoy happi- 
ness and good health in the future," 

After these addresses Prince Ch'ing and Li Hung-chang retired. 

The meeting adjourned at 11.30. 



PROTOCOLE FINAL. 

Les Ple*nipotentiaires: 

d'Allemagne, Son Excellence M. A. Mumm von Schwarzenstein; 

d'Autriche-Hongrie, Son Excellence M. Czikann von Wahlborn; 

de Belgique, Son Excellence M. Joostens; 

d'Espagne, Son Excellence M. B. J. de Cologan; 

des Etats-Unis d'Amerique, Son Excellence M. W. W. Rockhill; 

de France, Son Excellence M. Paul Beau; 

de Grande Bretagne, Son Excellence Sir Ernest Satow; 

d'ltalie, Son Excellence le Marquis Salvago Raggi; 

du Japon, Son Excellence M. Jutaro Komura; 

des Pays-Bas, Son Excellence M. F. M. Knobel; 

de Russie, Son Excellence M. M. de Giers; et 

de Chine, Son Altesse Yi-K'uangJPrince du premier rang K'ing, 
President du Ministere des Affaires Etrangeres et Son Excellence Li 
Hong-tchang, Comte du premier rang, Sou-yi, Tuteur de l'Heritier 
Presomptif, Grand Secretaire du Wen-houa-tien, Ministre du com- 
merce, Surratendant des ports du nord, Gouverneur-General da Tcheli; 

se sont reunis pour constater que la Chine s'est conformee, a la sat- 
isfaction des Puissances, aux conditions enumerees dans la note du 22 
Decembre 1900 et qui ont ete acceptees dans leur entier par Sa Majeste 
l'Empereur de Chine par un decret en date du 27 Decembre 1900 
(annexe a No. 1). 

Article I a . 

Par un Edit Imperial du 9 Juin dernier (annexe No. 2), Tsai-Feng, 
Prince du premier rang Tch'oun, a ete nomme Ambassadeur de Sa 
Majeste l'Empereur de Chine et a ete charge en cette qualite de porter 
a Sa Majeste l'Empereur d'Allemagne 1' expression des regrets de Sa 
Majeste l'Empereur de Chine et du Gouvernement chinois au sujet de 
l'assassinat de feu Son Excellence le Baron von Ketteler, Ministre 
d'Allemagne. 

Le Prince Tch'oun a quitte Pekin le 12 Juillet dernier pour executer 
les ordres qui lui ont ete donnes. 

Article P. 

Le Gouvernement chinois a declare qu'il erigera sur le lieu de l'as- 
sassinat de feu Son Excellence le Baron von Ketteler un monument 
commemoratif , digne du rang du def unt et portant une inscription en 

"Note. — For annexes see translation of Final Protocol. The original protocol is in 
French and Chinese in parallel columns, the French on the left side. 



REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 307 

langues latine, allemande et chinoise qui exprimera les regrets de Sa 
Majeste l'Empereur de Chine a propos du meurtre commis. 

Leurs Excellences les Plenipotentiaires chinois ont fait savoir a Son 
Excellence le Plenipotentiaire d'Allemagne, par une letter en date du 
22 Juillet dernier (annexe No. 3), qu'un portique de toute la largeur 
de la rue est erige sur le dit lieu et que les travaux ont commence le 
25 Juin dernier. 

Article II a . 

Les Edits Imperiaux en date des 13 et 21 Fevrier 1901 (annexes 
Nos. 4, 5 et 6) ont inflige les peines suivantes aux principaux auteurs 
des attentats et des crimes commis contre les Gouvernements etrangers 
et leurs nation aux: 

Tsai-Yi Prince Touan, et Tsai-Lan Due Fou-Kouo, ont ete traduits 
pour etre executes devant la Cour d'assises d'automme, et il a ete sti- 
pule que si l'Empereur croit devoir leur f aire grace de la vie, ils seront 
exiles au Turkestan et y seront emprisonnes a perpetuity, sans que 
cette peine puisse jamais etre commuee. 

Tsai-Hiun, Prince Tchouang, Ying-Nien, President de la Cour des 
censeurs, etTchao Chou-K'iao, President au Ministere de la justice, ont 
ete condamnes a se donner la mort. 

Yu-Hien, Gouverneur du Chansi, K'i-Sieou, President au Ministere 
des rites, et Siu Tch'eng-yu, precedemment Directeurs de gauche au 
Ministere de la justice, ont ete condamnes a la peine de mort. 

La degradation posthume a ete prononcee contre Kang-Yi, sous 
Grand-Secretaire d'Etat, President au Ministere de l'Interieur, Siu- 
T' ong, Grand-Secretaire d' Etat, et Li Ping-heng, ancien Gouverneur- 
General du Sze-tch'ouan. 

Un Edit Imperial du 13 Fevrier 1901 (annexe No. 7) a rehabilite la 
memoire de Siu Yong-yi, President au Ministere de la Guerre, Li- 
chan, President au Ministere des Finances, Hiu King-tch'eng, Direc- 
teur de gauche au Ministere de l'Interieur, Lien- Yuan, vice-Chancelier 
au Grand-Secretariat, et Yuan-tch'ang, Directeur a la Cours des Sac- 
rifices, qui avient ete mis a mort pour avoir proteste contre les abomi- 
nables violations du droit international commises au cours de l'annee 
derniere. 

Le prince Tchouang s'est donne la mort le 21 Fevrier 1901, Ying- 
Nien et Tchao Chou-Kiao le 24, Yu-Hien a ete execute le 22, enfin 
K'i-Hieou et Siu Tch'en^-yu le 26. 

Tong Fou-siang, General au Kansou a 6te prive de ses fonctions 
par Edit Imperial du 13 Fevrier en attendant qu'il soit statue sur la 
peine definitive a lui infliger. 

Les Edits Imperiaux du 29 Avril et 19 Aout 1901 ont inflige des 
peines graduellas aux f onctionnaires des provinces reconnus coupables 
des crimes et attentats commis au cours de Pete dernier. 

Article II. b 

Un Edit Imperial promulgue le 19 Aout 1901 (annexe No. 8) a 
ardonne la suspension des examens officiels pendant cinq ans dans 
toutes les villes ou des etrangers ont ete massacres ou ont subi des 
traitements cruels. 



308 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 

Article III. 

Afin d'accorder une reparation honorable pour l'assassinat de feu M. 
Sougiyama, Chancelier de la Legation du Japon, Sa Majeste l'Empe- 
reur de Chine a, par un Edit Imperial du 18 Juin 1901 (annexe No. 9), 
designe le vice-president au Ministere des finances Na-t'ong comme 
Envoye Extraordinaire et l'a charge specialement de porter a Sa 
Majeste l'Empereur du Japon l'expression des regrets de Sa Majeste 
l'Empereur de Chine et de son Gouvernement au sujet de l'assassinat 
de feu M. Sougiyama. 

Article IV. 

Le Gouvernement chinois s'est engage a eriger un monument 
expiatoire dans chacum des cimetieres etranger ou internationaux qui 
ont ete profanes et dont les tombes ont ete detruites. D'accord avec 
les Representants des Puissances il a ete convenue que les legations 
interessees donneront les indications pour 1' erection de ces monuments 
a charge par la Chine d'en couvrir tous les frais, evalues a dix mille 
taels pour les cimetieres de Pekin et des environs, a cinq mille taels 
pour les cimetieres des provinces. Ces sommes ont ete versees, et la 
liste de ces cimetieres est ci-jointe (annexe No. 10). 

Article V. 

La Chine a accepte de prohiber sur son territoire 1'importation des 
armes et des munitions ainsi que du materiel destine exclusivement a 
la fabrication des armes et des munitions. 

Un Edit Imperial a ete rendu le 25 Aout 1901 (annexe No. 11) pour 
interdire cette importation pendant une duree de deux annees. De 
nouveaux Edits pourront etre rendus par la suite pour proroger ce 
terme de deux ans en deux ans dans le cas de necessite reconnue par 
les Puissances. 

Article VI. 

Par un Edit Imperial en date du 29 Mai 1901 (annexe No. 12) Sa 
Majeste l'Empereur de Chine s'est engage a payer aux Puissances une 
indemnite de quatre cent cinquante millions de Haikouan Taels. Cette 
somme represente le total des indemnites pour les Etats, les societes, 
les particuliers et les Chinois vises a l'article VI de la Note du 22 
Decembre 1900. 

(a) Ces quatre cent cinquante millions constituent une dette en or 
calculee aux cours du Haikouan Tael par rapport a la monnaie d'or de 
chaque pays tels qu'ils sont indiques ei-apres: 

1 Haikouan tael = marks 3.055. 

= couronnes austro-hongroises 3.595. 

= dollar or 0.742. 

= francs 3. 750. 

= livre sterling shillings 3 pence 0. 

= yen 1.407. 

= florin neerlandais 1.796. 

= rouble or 1.412 (au titre de dolia 17,424). 

Cette somme en or sera productive d'interets a quatre pour cent l'an 
et le capital en sera rembourse par la Chine en trente-neuf annees 






REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA 309 

dans les conditions indiquees au plan d'amortissement ci-joint (annexe 
No. 13). 

Le capital et les interets seront payables en or ou aux taux de change 
correspondant aux dates des diverses echeances. 

Le fonctionnement de Pamortissement commencera le 1 Janvier 1902 
pour finir a, l'expiration de Pannee 1940. Les amortissements seront 
payables annuellement, la premiere echeance etant Hxee au 1 Janvier 
1903. 

Les interets seront comptes a partir du 1 Juillet 1901, mais le 
Gouvernement chinois aura la faculte de se liberer, dans un delai de 
trois ans, commencant le 1 Janvier 1902, des arrerages du premier 
semestre finissant le 31 Decembre 1901, a la condition toutefois de 
payer des interets composes a quatre pour cent Pan sur les sommes 
dont le versement aura ainsi ete differe. Les interets seront payables 
semestriellement, la premiere echeance etant fixee au 1 Juillet 1902. 

(b) Le service de la dette sera effectue a Shanghai et de la maniere 
suivante: 

Chaque Puissance se fera representer par un delegue dans une Com- 
mission de banquiers qui sera chargee d'encaisser le montant des 
interets et des amortissements qui lui sera verse par des autorites 
chinoises designees a cet effet, de le repartir entre les interesses et d'en 
donner quittance. 

(c) Le Gouvernement chinois remettra au Do}^en du Corps Diplo- 
matique a Pekin un bon global qui sera transform^ ulterieurement en 
coupures revetues de la signature des delegues du Gouvernement 
chinois designes a cet effet. Cette operation et toutes celles se rap- 
portant & Petablissement des titres seront effectuees par la Commission 
precitee conformement aux instructions que les Puissances enverront 
a leurs delegues. 

(d) Le produit des ressources affectees au payement des bons sera 
verse mensuellement entre les mains de la Commission. 

(e) Les ressources affectees a la garantie des bons sont enum^rees 
ci-apres: 

1° Le reliquat des revenues de la Douane maritime Imperiale apres 
payement de Pinteret et de Pamortissement des emprunts anterieurs 
gages sur ces revenus, augmentes du produit de Pelevation a cinq pour 
cent effectif s du tarif actuel sur les importations maritimes, y compris 
les articles qui jusqu'a present entraient en franchise, a Pexception du 
riz, des cereales et des farines de provenance etrangere, ainsi que de 
Por et de Pargent monnayes ou non monna3 7 es. 

2° Les revenus des douanes indigenes, administrees dans les ports 
ouverts par la Douane maritime Imperiale. 

3° L'ensemble des revenue de la gabelle, sous reserve de la fraction 
affectee precedemment a d'autres emprunts etrangers. 

L'elevation du tarif actuel sur les importations a cinq pour cent 
effectifs est consentie aux conditions ci-apres. 

La mise en vigueur de cette elevation commencera deux mois apres 
la date de la signature du present protocole, et il ne sera fait d'excep- 
tion que pour les marchandises en cours de route au plus tard dix jours 
apres cette date. 

1° Tous les droits sur les importations, percus u ad valorem," seront 
convertis en droits specifiques autant qu'il sera possible de le faire et 
dans le plus bref delai. Cette conversion sera etablie comme suit: On 
prendra comme base d'e valuation la valeur moyenne des marchandises 



BIO REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 

au moment de leur debarquement pendant les trois annees 1897, 1898 
et 1899, c'est-a-dire la valeur de marche deduction faite du montant 
des droits d'entree et des frais accessoires. En attendant le resultat 
de cette conversion les droits seront percus "ad valorem." 

2°. Le cours du Peiho et celui du Whangpou seront ameliores avec 
la participation financiere de la Chine. 

Article VII. 

Le Gouvernement chinois a accepte que le quartier occupe par les 
legations tut considere comme un quartier specialement reserve a leur 
usage et place sous leur police exclusive, ou les Chinois n'auraient pas 
le droit de resider, et qui pourrait etre mis en etat de defense. 

Les limites de ce quartier ont 6te ainsi fixees sur le plan ci-joint 
(annexe No. 14): 

& l'ouest, la ligne 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 

au Nord, la ligne 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 

a l'Est, la rue Ketteler: 10, 11, 12 

au Sud, la ligne 12-1, 
tiree le long du pied exterieur de la muraille tartare en suivant les 
bastions. 

Par le protocole annexe a la lettre du 16 Janvier 1901 la Chine a 
reconnue a chaque Puissance le droit d'entretenir une garde perma- 
nente dans le dit quartier pour la defense de sa legation. 

Article VIII. 

Le Gouvernement chinois a consenti a faire raser les forts de Takou 
et ceux qui pourraient empecher les libres communications entre 
Pekin et la mer. Des dispositions ont 6te prises a cet effet. 

Article IX. 

Le Gouvernement chinois a reconnu aux Puissances par le Protocole 
annexe a la lettre du 16 Janvier 1901 le droit d'occuper certains points, 
a determiner par un accord entre Elles, pour maintenir les communi- 
cations libres entre la capitale et la mer. Les points occupes par les 
Puissances sont: Houang-ts'oun, Lang-fang, Yang-ts'oun, Tien-tsin, 
Kiun-leang-tch'eng, Tang-kou, Lou-tai, Tang-chan, Louan-tcheou, 
Tch'ang-li, Ts'in-wang-tao, Chan-hai-kouan. 

Article X. 

Le Gouvernement chinois s'est engage a afficher et a publier pendant 
deux ans dans toutes les villes de district les Edits Imperiaux suivants: 

(a) Edit du Fevrier 1901 (annexe No. 15) portant defense perpetu- 
elle sous peine de mort de faire partie d'une societe anti-etrangere. 

(b) Edits des 13 et 25 Fevrier, 29 Avril et 19 Aout contenant l'^nu- 
meration des peines qui ont ete innigees aux coupables. 

(c) Edit du 19 Aout 1901 supprimant les examens dans toutes les 
villes oii des Strangers ont 6te massacres ou ont subi des traitements 
cruels. 

(d) Edit du 1 Fevrier 1901 (annexe No. 16) declarant que tous les 
gouverneurs-generaux, gouverneurs et fonctionnaires provinciaux ou 



REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 311 

locaux sont responsables de Pordre dans leur circonscription et qu'en 
cas de nouveaux troubles an ti- etrangers ou encore d'autres infractions 
aux traites qui n'auraient pas ete immediatement reprimes et dont les 
coupables n'auraient pas ete punis, ces f onctionnaires seront immediate- 
ment revoques sans pouvoir etre appeles a de nouvelles f onctions ni 
recevoir de nouveaux honneurs. 

L'affichage de ces edits se poursuit progressivement dans tout 
l'Empire. 

Article XI. 

Le Gouvernement chinois s'est engage a negocier les amendements 
juges utiles par les Gouvernements etrangers aux traites de commerce 
et de navigation et les autres sujets touchant aux relations commer- 
ciales dans le but de les faciliter. 

Des maintenant et par suite des stipulations inscrites a Particle VI 
au sujet de Pindemnite, le Gouvernement chinois s'engage a concourir 
a Pamelioration du cours des rivieres Pei'ho et Whangpou comme il 
est dit ci-dessous. 

(a) Les travaux d'amelioration de la navigabilite du Peiho, com- 
mences en 1898 avec la cooperation du Gouvernement chinois, ont ete 
repris sous la direction d'une Commission internationale. Aussitot 
apres que Padministration de Tien tsin aura ete remise au Gouverne- 
ment chinois, celui-ci pourra se faire representer dans cette commis- 
sion et versera chaque annee une somme de soixante mille Haikouan 
taels pour Pentretien des travaux. 

(b) II est cree un Conseil fluvial charge de la direction et du controle 
des travaux de rectification du Whangpou et d'amelioration du cours 
de cette riviere. 

Ce Conseil est compose de membres representant les interets du 
Gouvernement chinois et ceux des etrangers dans le commerce mari- 
time de Shanghai. Les frais necessites par les travaux et Padminis- 
tration generale de Pentreprise sont evalues a la somme annuelle de 
quatre cent soixante mille Haikouan taels pendant les vingt premieres 
annees. Cette somme sera fournie par moities par le Gouvernement 
chinois et par les interesses etrangers. Le detail des stipulations se 
rapportant a la composition, aux attributions et aux revenus du Conseil 
fluvial fait Pobjet de Pannexe (annexe No. 17). 

Article XII. 

Un Edit Imperial du 24 juillet 1901 (annexe No. 18), a re*forme 
POffice des affaires etrangeres (Tsong-li Yamen), dans le sens indique 
par les Puissances, c'est-a-dire Pa transforme en un Ministere des 
affaires etrangeres (Wai-wou pou), qui prend rang avant les six autres 
Ministeres d'Etat; le meme edit a nomme les principaux membres de 
ce Ministere. 

Un accord s'est etabli egalement au sujet de la modification du cere- 
monial de Cour relatif a la reception des Representants etrangers, et a 
fait Pobjet de plusieurs notes des Plenipotentiaires chinois resumees 
dans un memorandum ci-joint (annexe No. 19). 

Enfin il est expressement entendu que, pour les declarations sus- 
enoncees et les documents annexes emanant des Plenipotentiaires 
etrangers, le texte f rangais fait seul foi. 

Le Gouvernement chinois s'etant ainsi conf orme, a la satisfaction des 



312 KEPOET OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 

Puissances, aux conditions enumerees dans la Note precitee du 22 de- 
cembre 1900, les Puissances ont accede au desir de la Chine de voir 
cesser la situation creee par les desordres de Pete 1900. En conse- 
quence les Plenipotentiaires etrangers sont autorises a declarer au 
nom de leurs Gouvernements que, a l'exception des gardes des lega- 
tions mentionnees a Particle VII, les troupes internationales evacueront 
completement la ville de Pekin le 17 septembre 1901 et, a l'exception 
des endroits mentionnes a Particle IX, se retireront de la province du 
Tcheli le 22 septembre. 

Le present Protocole final a ete etabli en douze exemplaires identi- 
ques et signes par tous les Plenipotentiaires des Pays Contractants. 
Un exemplaire sera remis a chacun des Plenipotentiaires etrangers et 
un exemplaire sera remis aux Plenipotentiaires chinois. 
Pekin, le 7 septembre 1901. 

A v Mumm 

m. czikann 

joostens 

b j de cologan 

w. w. rockhill 

Beau 

Ernest Satow. 

Salvago Raggi 

JlJTARO KOMURA 

F. M. Knobel 

M. DE GlERS 



Signatures 

et 

sceaux 

des 

Plenipotentiaires 

chinois* 



[Translation.] 

FINAL PROTOCOL. 

The plenipotentiaries of Germany, His Excellency M. A. Mumm 
von Schwarzenstein; of Austria-Hungary, His Excellency M. M. 
Czikann von Wahlborn; of Belgium, His Excellency M. Joostens; of 
Spain, M. B. J. de Cologan; of the United States, His Excellency M. 
W. W. Rockhill; of France, His Excellency M. Paul Beau; of Great 
Britain, His Excellency Sir Ernest Satow; of Italy, Marquis Salvago 
Raggi; of Japan, His Excellency M. Jutaro Komura; of the Nether- 
lands, His Excellency M. F. M. Knobel; of Russia, His Excellency 
M. M. de Giers; and of China, His Highness Yi-K'uang Prince Ching 
of the first rank, President of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and His 
Excellency Li Hung-chang, Earl of Su-i of the first rank, Tutor of the 
Heir Apparent, Grand Secretary of the Wen-hua Throne Hall, Minister 
of commerce, Superintendent of the northern trade, Governor-General 
of Chihli, have met for the purpose of declaring that China has com- 
plied to the satisfaction of the Powers with the conditions laid down in 
the note of the 22d of December, 1900, and which were accepted in their 
entirety by His Majesty the Emperor of China in a decree dated the 
27th of December. (Annex No. 1.) 

Article l a . 

By an Imperial Edict of the 9th of June last (Annex No. 2), Tsai 
Feng, Prince of Ch'un, was appointed Ambassador of His Majesty the 






REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 313 

Emperor of China, and directed in that capacity to convey to His 
Majesty the German Emperor the expression of the regrets of His 
Majesty the Emperor of China and of the ChineseXrovernment for the 
assassination of His Excellency the late Baron von Ketteler, German 
minister. 

Prince Ch'un left Peking the 12th of July last to carry out the orders 
which had been given him. 

Article I b . 

The Chinese Government has stated that it will erect on the spot of 
the assassination of His Excellency the late Baron von Ketteler a com- 
memorative monument, worthy of the rank of the deceased, and bear- 
ing an inscription in the Latin, German, and Chinese languages, which 
shall express the regrets of His Majesty the Emperor of China for the 
murder committed. 

Their Excellencies the Chinese Plenipotentiaries have informed His 
Excellency the German Plenipotentiary, in a letter dated the 22nd of 
July last (Annex No. 3) that an arch of the whole width of the street 
would be erected on the said spot, and that work on it was begun the 
25th of June last. 

Article Il a . 

Imperial Edicts of the 13th and 21st of February, 1901 (Annexes 
Nos. 4, 5, and 6), inflicted the following punishments on the principal 
authors of the outrages and crimes committed against the foreign 
Governments and their nationals: 

Tsai-I Prince Tuan and Tsai Lan Duke Fu-kuo were sentenced to 
be brought before the autumnal court of assize for execution, and 
it was agreed that if the Emperor saw fit to grant them their lives, they 
should be exiled to Turkestan and there imprisoned for life, without 
the possibility of commutation of these punishments. 

Tsai Hsiin Prince Chuang, Ying Men, President of the Court of 
censors, and Chao Shu-Chiao, President of the Board of punishments, 
were condemned to commit suicide. 

Yii Hsien, Governor of Shanhsi, Chi Hsiu, President of the Board 
of rites, and Hsu Cheng-yu, formerly senior vice-President of the 
Board of punishments, were condemned to death. 

Posthumous degradation was inflicted on Kang Yi, assistant Grand 
Secretary, President of the Board of works, Hsu Tung, Grand Secre- 
tary, and Li Ping-heng, formerly Governor-General of Szu-ch'uan. 

An Imperial Edict of February 13th, 1901 (Annex No. 7), rehabili- 
tated the memories of Hsu Yung-yi, President of the Board of war, 
Li Shan, President of the Board of works, Hsu. Ching-cheng, senior 
vice-President of the Board of works, Lien Yuan, vice-Chancellor of 
the Grand Council, and Yuan Chang, vice-President of the Court of 
sacrifices, who had been put to death for having protested against the 
outrageous breaches of international law of last year. 

Prince Chuang committed suicide the 21st of February, 1901, Ying 
Nien and Chao Shu-chiao the 24th, Yii Hsien was executed the 22nd, 
Chi Hsiu and Hsu Cheng-yu on the 26th. Tung Fu-hsiang, General 
in Kan-su, has been deprived of his office by Imperial Edict of the 
13th of February, 1901, pending the determination of the final pun- 
ishment to be inflicted on him. 



314 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 

Imperial Edicts dated the 29th of April and 19th of August, 1901, 
have inflicted various punishments on the provincial officials convicted 
of the crimes and outrages of last summer. 

Article II. a 

An Imperial Edict promulgated the 19th of August, 1901 (Annex 
No. 8), ordered the suspension of official examinations for five years 
in all cities where foreigners were massacred or submitted to cruel 
treatment. 

Article III. 

So as to make honorable reparation for the assassination of Mr. 
Sugiyama, chancellor of the Japanese legation, His Majesty the 
Emperor of China by an Imperial Edict of the 18th of June, 1901 
(Annex No. 9), appointed Na Tung, vice-Preside nt of the Board of 
revenue, to be his Envoy Extraordinary, and specially directed him 
to convey to His Majesty the Emperor of Japan the expression of the 
regrets of His Majesty the Emperor of China and of his Government 
at the assassination of the late Mr. Sugiyama. 

Article IV. 

The Chinese Government has agreed to erect an expiatory monu- 
ment in each of the foreign or international cemeteries which were 
desecrated and in which the tombs were destroyed. 

It has been agreed with the Representatives of the Powers that the 
legations interested shall settle the details for the erection of these 
monuments, China bearing all the expenses thereof, estimated at ten 
thousand taels for the cemeteries at Peking and within its neighbor- 
hood, and at five thousand taels for the cemeteries in the provinces. 
The amounts have been paid and the list of these cemeteries is enclosed 
herewith. (Annex No. 10.) 

Article V. 

China has agreed to prohibit the importation into its territory of 
arms and ammunition, as well as of materials exclusively used for the 
manufacture of arms and ammunition. 

An Imperial Edict has been issued on the 25th of August, 1901 
(Annex No. 11), forbidding said importation for a term of two years. 
New Edicts may be issued subsequently extending this by other suc- 
cessive terms of two years in case of necessity recognized by the 
Powers. 

Article VI. 

By an Imperial Edict dated the 29th of May, 1901 (Annex No. 12), 
His Majesty the Emperor of China agreed to pay the Powers an indem- 
nity of four hundred and fifty millions of Haikwan Taels. This sum 
represents the total amount of the indemnities for States, companies 
or societies, private individuals, and Chinese referred to in Article VI 
of the note of December 22nd, 1900. 

(a) These four hundred and fifty millions constitute a gold debt cal- 



REPOET OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 315 

culated at the rate of the Haikwan tael to the gold currency of each 
country, as indicated below. 

Haikwan tael=inarks 3. 055 

=Austro-Hungary crown 3. 595 

=gold dollar 0.742 

= francs 3. 750 

= pound sterling 3s. Od. 

=yen 1.407 

=Netherlands florin 1. 796 

=gold rouble (17.424 dolias fine) 1. 412 

This sum in gold shall bear interest at 4 per cent per annum, and the 
capital shall be reimbursed by China in thirty -nine years in the man- 
ner indicated in the annexed plan of amortization. (Annex No. 13). 

Capital and interest shall be payable in gold or at the rates of 
exchange corresponding to the dates at which the different payments 
fall due. 

The amortization shall commence the 1st of January, 1902, and 
shall finish at the end of the year 1940. The amortizations are pay- 
able annually, the first payment being fixed on the 1st of January, 
1903. 

Interest shall run from the 1st of July, 1901, but the Chinese Gov- 
ernment shall have the right to pay off within a term of three years, 
beginning January, 1902, the arrears of the first six months, ending the 
31st of December, 1901, on condition, however, that it pays compound 
nterest at the rate of 4 per cent per annum on the sums the pa}^ments 
of which shall have thus been deferred. Interest shall be payable 
semiannually, the first payment being fixed on the 1st of July, 1902. 

(b) The service of tne debt shall take place in Shanghai, in the fol- 
lowing manner: 

Each Power shall be represented by a delegate on a commission of 
bankers authorized to receive the amount of interest and amortization 
which shall be paid to it by the Chinese authorities designated for that 
purpose, to divide it among the interested parties, and to give a receipt 
for the same. 

(c) The Chinese Government shall deliver to the Doj r en of the Diplo- 
matic Corps at Peking a bond for the lump sum, which shall subse- 
quently be converted into fractional bonds bearing the signatures of 
the delegates of the Chinese Government designated for that purpose. 
This operation and all those relating to issuing of the bonds shall be 
performed by the above-mentioned Commission, in accordance with the 
instructions which the Powers shall send their delegates. 

(d) The proceeds of the revenues assigned to the payment of the 
bonds shall be paid monthly to the Commission. 

(e) The revenues assigned as security for the bonds are the following: 

1. The balance of the revenues of the Imperial maritime Customs 
after payment of the interest and amortization of preceding loans 
secured on these revenues, plus the proceeds of the raising to five per 
cent effective of the present tariff on maritime imports, including 
articles until now on the free list, but exempting foreign rice, cereals, 
and flour, gold and silver bullion and coin. 

2. The revenues of the native customs, administered in the open 
ports by the Imperial maritime Customs. 

3. The total revenues of the salt gabelle, exclusive of the fraction 
previously set aside for other foreign loans. 

The raising of the present tariff on imports to five per cent effective 
is agreed to on the conditions mentioned below. 



316 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 

It shall be put in force two months after the signing of the present 
protocol, and no exceptions shall be made except for merchandise 
shipped not more than ten days after the said signing. 

1°. All duties levied on imports u ad valorem" shall be converted as 
far as possible and as soon as may be into specific duties. This con- 
version shall be made in the following manner: The average value of 
merchandise at the time of their landing during the three years 1897, 
1898, and 1899, that is to say, the market price less the amount of 
import duties and incidental expenses, shall be taken as the basis for 
the valuation of merchandise. Pending the result of the work of con- 
version, duties shall be levied u ad valorem." 

2°. The beds of the rivers Peiho and Whangpu shall be improved 
with the financial participation of China. 

Article VII. 

The Chinese Government has agreed that the quarter occupied by 
the legations shall be considered as one specially reserved for their 
use and placed under their exclusive control, in which Chinese shall 
not have the right to reside and which may be made defensible. 

The limits of this quarter have been fixed as follows on the annexed 
plan (Annex No. 14) : 

On the west, the line 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. 

On the north, the line 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10. 

On the east, Ketteler street (10, 11, 12). 

Drawn along the exterior base of the Tartar wall and following the 
line of the bastions, on the south the line 12.1. 

In the protocol annexed to the letter of the 16th of January, 1901, 
China recognized the right of each Power to maintain a permanent 
guard in the said quarter for the defense of its legation. 

Article VIII. 

The Chinese Government has consented to raze the forts of Taku 
and those which might impede free communication between Peking 
and the sea; steps have been taken for carrying this out. 

Article IX. 

The Chinese Government has conceded the right to the Powers in 
the protocol annexed to the letter of the 16th of January, 1901, to 
occupy certain points, to be determined by an agreement between them, 
for the maintenance of open communication between the capital and 
the sea. The points occupied by the powers are: 

Huang-tsun, Lang-fang, Yang-tsun, Tientsin, Chun-liang Ch'eng, 
Tang-ku, Lu-tai, Tang-shan, Lan-chou, Chang-li, Ch'in-wang tao, 
Shan-hai kuan. 

Article X. 

The Chinese Government has agreed to post and to have published 
during two years in all district cities the following Imperial edicts: 

(a) Edict of the 1st of February (Annex No. 15), prohibiting for- 
ever, under pain of death, membership in any antiforeign society. 

(b) Edicts of the 13th and 21st February, 29th April, and 19th 
August, enumerating the punishments inflicted on the guilty. 



REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 317 

(c) Edict of the 19th August, 1901, prohibiting examinations in all 
cities where foreigners were massacred or subjected to cruel treatment. 

(d) Edict of the 1st of February, 1901 (Annex No. 16), declaring all 
governors-general, governors, and provincial or local officials respon- 
sible for order in their respective districts, and that in case of new 
antif oreign troubles or other infractions of the treaties which shall not 
be immediately repressed and the authors of which shall not have been 
punished, these officials shall be immediately dismissed, without possi- 
bility of being given new functions or new honors. 

The posting of these edicts is being carried on throughout the 
Empire. 

Article XI. 

The Chinese Government has agreed to negotiate the amendments 
deemed necessary by the foreign Governments to the treaties of com- 
merce and navigation and the other subjects concerning commercial 
relations, with the object of facilitating them. 

At present, and as a result of the stipulation contained in Article 
VI concerning the indemnity, the Chinese Government agrees to assist 
in the improvement of the courses of the rivers Peiho and Whangpu, 
as stated below. 

(a) The works for the improvement of the navigability of the Peiho, 
begun in 1898 with the cooperation of the Chinese Government, have 
been resumed under the direction of an international Commission. As 
soon as the administration of Tientsin shall have been handed back to 
the Chinese Government, it will be in a position to be represented on 
this commission, and will pay each year a sum of sixty thousand 
Haikwan taels for maintaining the works. 

(b) A conservancy Board, charged with the management and con- 
trol of the works for straightening the Whangpu and the improve- 
ment of the course of that river, is hereby created. 

This Board shall consist of members representing the interests of 
the Chinese Government and those of foreigners in the shipping trade 
of Shanghai. The expenses incurred for the works and the general 
management of the undertaking are estimated at the annual sum of 
four hundred and sixty thousand Haikwan taels for the first twenty 
years. This sum shall be supplied in equal portions by the Chinese 
Government and the foreign interests concerned. Detailed stipulations 
concerning the composition, duties, and revenues of the conservancy 
board are embodied in annex No. 17. 

Article XII. 

An Imperial Edict of the 24th of July, 1901 (annex No. 18), re- 
formed the Office of foreign affairs, (Tsungli Yamen), on the lines indi- 
cated, by the Powers, that is to say, transformed it into a Ministry of 
foreign affairs (Wai-wu Pu), which takes precedence over the six 
other Ministries of State. The same edict appointed the principal 
members of this Ministry. 

An agreement has also been reached concerning the modification of 
Court ceremonial as regards the reception of foreign Representatives 
and has been the subject of several notes from the Chinese Plenipoten- 
tiaries, the substance of which is embodied in a memorandum herewith 
annexed (annex No. 19). 



318 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 

Finally, it is expressly understood that as regards the declarations 
specified above and the annexed documents originating with the for- 
eign Plenipotentiaries, the French text only is authoritative. 

The Chinese Government having thus complied to the satisfaction of 
the Powers with the conditions laid down in the above-mentioned note 
of December 22nd, 1900, the Powers have agreed to accede to the wish 
of China to terminate the situation created by the disorders of the sum- 
mer of 1900. In consequence thereof the foreign Plenipotentiaries are 
authorized to declare in the names of their Governments that, with the 
exception of the legation guards mentioned in Article VII, the inter- 
national troops will completely evacuate the city of Peking on the 17th 
September, 1901, and, with the exception of the localities mentioned in 
Article IX, will withdraw from the province of Chihli on the 22d of 
September. 

The present final Protocol has been drawn up in twelve identic copies 
and signed by all the Plenipotentiaries of the Contracting Countries. 
One copy shall be given to each of the foreign Plenipotentiaries, and 
one copy shall be given to the Chinese Plenipotentiaries. 

Peking, 7th September, 1901. 

A. v. Mumm. 

M. CZIKANN. 

JOOSTENS. ( G . „ j.„„ a „ 

B. J. de Cologan. Signatures 

W. W. ROCKHILL. 

Beau. 

Ernest Satow. 
Salvago Raggi. 
Jutaro Komura. 
F. M. Knobel. 

M. DE GlERS. 



seals 

of 

Chinese 

plenipotentiaries. 



[Translation.] 
ANNEXES TO THE FINAL PROTOCOL. 

No. 1. Imperial Edict of 27 December, 1900. 

2. Imperial Edict of 9 June, 1901. 

3. Letter of the Chinese plenipotentiaries of 22 July, 1901, 

4. Imperial Edict of 13 February, 1901. 

5. Imperial Edict of 13 February, 1901. 

6. Imperial Edict of 21 February, 1901. 

7. Imperial Edict of 13 February, 1901. 

8. Imperial Edict of 19 August, 1901. 

9. Imperial Edict of 18 June, 1901. 

10. List of desecrated cemeteries. 

11. Imperial Edict of 25 August, 1901. 

12. Imperial Edict of 29 May, 1901. 

13. Table of amortization. 

14. Plan of the diplomatic quarter and notice. 

15. Imperial Edict of 1st February, 1901. 

16. Imperial Edict of 1st February, 1901. 

17. Regulations for the improvement of the Whangpu. 

18. Imperial Edict of 24 July, 1901. 

19. Memorandum concerning court ceremonial. 



REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 319 



Annex No. 1. 
IMPERIAL EDICT of the 27 th December, 1900 {translation), 

[Seal of the Emperor.] 

The 6th day of the 11th moon of the 26th year of Kuang-hsii (27 
December, 1900), the following Edict was rendered: 

' l We have taken cognizance of the whole telegram of Yi-K'uang 
and Li Hung-chang. It is proper that We accept in their entirety the 
twelve articles which they have submitted to us." 
.Respect this! 

A. d'Anthouard. 
Correct cojpy. B. Kroupensky. 

Reginald Tower. 
G. Bohlen-Halbach. 






Annex No. 2. 
IMPERIAL EDICT of the 9th of June, 1901 {translation). 

"We confer on Tsai Feng, Prince Ch'un of the first rank, the title 
of Ambassador extraordinary, and We direct him to proceed to Ger- 
many to respectfully discharge the mission which We confide to him. 
"Chang Yi, reader of the Grand Chancellery, and Yin Ch'ang, mili- 
tary Lieutenant-Governor, shall accompany him as secretaries. 
" Respect this!" 

A. d'Anthouard. 
Correct copy. B. Kroupensky. 

Reginald Tower. 
G. Bohlen-Halbach. 



Annex No. 3. 

Despatch of Prince Ching and of Li Hung-chang of the 22 July, 
1901, to His Excellency M. de Mumm, German Plenipotentiary 
{Translation.) 

^Official reply. 

On the 3d day of the 5th moon of the present year (18th of June, 
1901), We have received from Your Excellency the following official 
communication: 

"Messrs. Jui-liang, secretary, and Lien-fang, expectant taotai, 
delegates entrusted with carrying out Article I of the Joint Note pro- 
viding^or the erection of a commemorative monument on the place of 
the assassination of Baron von Ketteler, former Minister of Germany, 
commenced some time ago the discussion of the subject with my Lega- 
tion, and have taken up the question of the plan of this monument. 

"During frequent conversations they have stated that if it were 
necessary that a commemorative arch in marble, from Ta-li and 
extending the whole width of the avenue of Ch'ung- wen-men, should 
be erected on the spot of the assassination, the work would require a 
great deal of time, in view of the difficulty in transporting the mate- 



320 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 

rials; but as to adopting some other means, either of transferring to 
the place of the assassination an archway erected at the present time 
in some other spot, or of putting up a new arch, or of using an old 
archway to be transported to the place, they left this to the determi- 
nation of my Government. 

"I at once telegraphed my Government to inform me of its views. 

"The reply which I have just received informs me that His Majesty 
the Emperor of Germany has himself decided that a new archway 
extending across the whole width of the street should be put up. 

"I have consequently to urgently request you to take immediate 
steps, so that the work may begin at once." 

We, Prince and Minister, have at once directed the said secretary and 
taotai to act in conformity. According to the report which they have 
sent us, u the work was begun on the 10th day of the 5th moon (25th 
of June) b}^ the foundations. But a certain length of time is necessary 
for getting out the stone, cutting it and for the transportation of mate- 
rials; and the only thing that can be done is to watch that the workmen 
use their best endeavors to carry on promptly the work." 

Besides having directed that We should be kept informed of the exe- 
cution of the work, We deem it necessary to send the present official 
reply to Your Excellency, requesting you to take note of it. 

Correct copy. A. d'Anthouard. 

B. Kroupensky. 
Reginald Tower. 
G. Bohlen-Halbach. 



Annex No. 4. 
IMPERIAL EDICT of the 13th of February, 1901 {Translation). 

Since the 5th moon (end of May) the Boxers have created trouble in 
the capital and have begun hostilities against friendly countries. 
Yi-K'uang and Li Hung-chang are negotiating for peace at Peking 
with Representatives of the Powers, and a whole preliminary arrange- 
ment has already been signed. 

(If) We consider the commencement of these events, we find that 
they are attributable to several stupid Princes and Ministers, insane, 
absolutely ignorant, turbulent, and who have ignored the laws. They 
had most absolute confidence in pernicious methods and have led on the 
Court. Not only did they refuse to obey Our orders to exterminate 
the Boxers, but they have been so far as to believe in them, and, stu- 
pidly, they began to attack (the Legations). So it was that this evil fire 
spread abroad, and circumstances did not permit of its being stopped, 
several tens of thousands of evil-doers having assembled at the elbow 
and the armpit (that is to say, at the most important points). Further- 
more, the leaders forced generals and ignorant soldiers to attack the 
Legations, and so it befell that inconceivable evils persisted for sev- 
eral months. 

The tutelary deities of the Empire have been in danger, the Impe- 
rial tombs and the temrjles of Ancestors have trembled, the country 
has been devastated; the inhabitants are plunged in misery. No words 






REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 321 

can express the dangers which We and H. M. the Empress Dowager 
have been exposed to. Oar heart and Our head are still painful; Our 
tears and Our resentment are confounded. It is to you, Princes and 
Ministers, who, by believing in evil words and allowing evil-doers free 
hand, have put in danger in Heaven our Ancestors and Our gods, and 
who here below have caused the people to endure these calamities. Do 
you ask what punishments you deserve? 

We have already issued two decrees. But, considering that such 
light punishments for such grievous faults could not be sufficient to 
make you expiate your crimes, We must impose upon you new and 
more severe punishments according to your degree of guilt. 

Tsai-hsun, Prince Chuang, already degraded, allowed the Boxers 
to attack the Legations. He, on his own authority, published procla- 
mations contrary to the treaties; he lightly believed the statements of 
evil-doers; he unlawfully caused to be decapitated a great number of 
persons; he has shown himself, of a truth, vulgar and stupid. We 
invite him, as a favor, to commit suicide. We direct Ko-pao-hua, 
acting president of the Court of Censors, to go and see (that the suicide 
has taken place). 

Tsai-i, Prince Tuan, already degraded, led away with him several 
Princes and Peilo (Princes of the 3d class). He foolishly gave heed 
to the Boxers and stupidly advised fighting. So all these troubles 
broke out; his faults, of a truth, can not be ignored. Tsai-lan, Duke 
Fu-kuo, reduced in rank, in concert with Tsai-hsun, foolishly pub- 
lished proclamations contrary to the treaties. He should also be pun- 
ished for his faults. We deprive them of their nobiliary titles, but, 
considering that they belong to our family, we order, by special act 
of grace, that they be sent to Hsin-chiang (Hi) where they shall be 
condemned to prison for life. Deputies shall be at first sent to watch 
them. 

Yu-hsien, degraded governor, foolishly believed, when formerly 
discharging the duties of governor in Shantung, in the charms of the 
Boxers. Arriving in Peking, he extolled them so highly that several 
Princes and Ministers fell under his evil influence. Being governor of 
Shansi, he massacred a great number of missionaries and Christians. 
He is worse than an imbecile, than a fool, than a murderer; he is the 
chief culprit and the author of all these calamities. He has already 
been sent to Hsin-chiang, and, believing that he has arrived inKan-su, 
We order that, on the receipt of the order which We send, he shall be at 
once beheaded. We direct the Provincial Judge Ho Fu-kun to see 
that the penalty is carried out. 

Kang-yi, Assistant Grand Secretary of State, President of the Board 
of Works, having lent his aid to the Boxers, serious disturbances broke 
out. He aided in publishing proclamations contrary to the treaties. 
A severe punishment was to have been inflicted on him at first, but he 
has died of disease. We order that the honors which he previously 
held shall be withdrawn from him and that he be at once degraded. 

Tung Fu-hsiang, general in Kan-su, degraded but retained in office, 
entered (Peking) to defend (the city) with the troops under his orders; 
he was unable to maintain strict discipline. Ignorant, furthermore, 
of international questions, he followed his ideas and acted in an incon- 
siderate manner. Although the attacks on the Legations were ordered 
him by the above degraded Princes, it is nevertheless difficult to absolve 
him of all faults. We intended in the first instance to have punished 

S. Doc. 67 21 



322 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 

him severely, but, considering the signal services he has rendered in 
Kan-su and the sympathy felt for him by Mussulman and Chinese, as 
an act of extraordinary grace, We order that he shall be immediately 
degraded. 

Ying-nien, President of the Court of Censors, reduced in rank and 
displaced, opposed Tsai-hsun publishing on his own authority procla- 
mations contrary to the treaties. We may make due allowance for this 
circumstance, but as he was not able to overcome (this resistance) by 
force, it is, after all, difficult to absolve him. We order, as a mark of 
great benevolence, that he be degraded. We condemn him to death, 
and he shall await in prison that his case be passed on. 

Chao Shu-chiao, President of the Board of Punishments, degraded 
and retained in office, had never shown till then any unfriendly feeling 
in relations with the Foreign Powers. Having made a report on the 
Boxers, he said nothing in their favor, but through his negligence faults 
were made. We order, as a special act of grace, that he be degraded. 
We condemn him to death, and he will await in prison that his case be 
passed on. 

We command that Ying-nien and Chao Shu-chiao be in the first 
place confined in the prison of the capital of Shensi. 

Hsu Tung, Grand Secretary of State, and Li Ping-heng, former 
Governor-General of Sze-chuan, reduced in rank and displaced, died for 
their country, but everyone knows their faults. We order that they 
be degraded, and We deprive them of the posthumous honors which W r e 
had conferred on them. 

After the promulgation of this decree all our friendly nations should 
recognize that the events caused by the Boxers are in truth only attrib- 
utable to the principal authors of trouble and in no wise to the wishes 
of the Court. 

We, the Emperor, not lightly punishing several of the principal 
authors of trouble, the officials and the people of the Empire will 
understand at once that the consequences of such acts are most serious. 

Respect this!" 

Correct copy. A. d'Anthouard. 

B. Kroupensky. 
Reginald Tower. 
G. Bohlen-Halbach. 



Annex No. 5. 
IMPERIAL EDICT of the IS February, 1001. {Translation.) 

Ch'i-hsiu, president of the Board of Rites, and Hsu Cheng-yu, for- 
merly senior Vice-President of the Board of Punishments, are in the 
first place to be degraded. 

We order Yi K'uang and Li Hung-chang to obtain exact proof of 
their guilt and to send Us at once a report. They shall be punished 
with the greatest severity. 
Respect this!" 

A. d'Anthouard. 
Correct copy. B. Kroupensky. 

Reginald Tower. 
G. Bohlen-Halbach. 



REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 323 

Annex No. 6. 

IMPERIAL EDICT of the 21 February, 1901 {Translation). 

Edict published and sent telegraphically the 3rd day of the 1st moon 
(21 February, 1901), and received on the 4th by the Grand Chancellery. 

"By a former Edict We had already severely punished, according to 
the several cases, all the high officials, the principal authors of the 
present misfortunes. But We received some time ago a telegraphic 
report from Yi-K'uang and Li Hung-chang telling Us that, according 
to an official despatch from the Ministers Plenipotentiary of the vari- 
ous Powers, new and severer punishments were necessary, and begging 
Us to take action. 

"Besides Tsai-hsun, who has been ordered to commit suicide, and 
Yu-hsien, against whom has been pronounced the penalty of imme- 
diate decapitation, and for each of whom deputies have been ordered 
to go see that (the sentences have been carried out), We decide that the 
penalty to be inflicted on Tsai-yi (Prince Tuan) and Tsai-lan (Duke 
Lan) is decapitation with reprieve; nevertheless, in view of the rela- 
tionship in which they stand to Us, We show them the special act of 
grace of sending them to the frontier of the Empire, in Turkestan, 
where they shall be imprisoned for life. A deputy to take them under 
escort shall be designated, and shall leave at once. 

"As to Kang-yi, whose crimes were greater, the penalty should have 
been immediate decapitation, but as he has already died of disease, as 
an act of grace, he shall be spared further inquiry into his case. 

"As regards Ying-nien and Chao Shu-chtao, whose punishments, 
according to Our former decisions, were to have been decapitation with 
reprieve, We command that they be requested to commit suicide, and 
We direct Ch'en Ch'un-huan, Governor of Shan-si, to go and verify 
(their deaths). 

"As to Ch'i-hsiu and Hsti Cheng-yu, whom the Powers designate as 
the most ardent protectors of the Boxer bandits, and as having most 
particularly done harm to foreigners, We had previously ordered their 
degradation; We (now) order Yi-K'uang and Li Hung-chang to ask the 
Powers, by despatch, for their surrender, and to have them executed 
at once. One of the Presidents of the Board of Punishments shall be 
directed to verify (their execution). 

"As to Hsu Tung, who compromised the great general interests by 
putting his confidence in the Boxers, and Li Ping-heng, whose brag- 
ging ways directly brought about these misfortunes, the punishment 
which should have been theirs was decapitation with reprieve; but 
taking into consideration the fact that they committed suicide when 
they saw the disaster coming, and that they have already been degraded, 
and that the posthumous honors which had been granted them have 
been annulled and withdrawn, it is needless to take up their cases. 

"The nature of the crimes committed by all the principal authors 
of the wrong has been set forth in a clear and detailed way in previous 
decrees. 

Kespect this!" 

Collect coj?y. A. D'Anthouard. 

B. Kroupensky. 
Reginald Tower. 
G. Bohlen-Halbach. 



324 EEPOET OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 

Annex No. 7. 
IMPERIAL EDICT of the 13th February, 1901 (Translation). 

"The trouble brought about by the Boxers during the 5th moon 
(May-June) having spread from day to day, the Court had two diffi- 
cult methods to adopt — to take coercitive measures or to pacify them. 
In the hope that a line of conduct would be shown Us the Ministers 
were several times called in audience. 

"We have repeatedly questioned Hst) Yung-yi, President of the 
Board of War, Li-shan, President of the Board of Finance, Hsu Ching- 
cheng, senior vice-President of the Board of Works, Lien-Yuan, vice 
Chancellor of the Grand Council, Yuan-chang, vice-President of the 
Court of Sacrificial Worship. 

"In their speech and in their mind all admitted that the two methods 
were possible. Several Ministers, instigators of trouble, availing 
themselves of this fact, unjustly accused them, handed in memorials 
in which they denounced them. So it came about that they were 
severely punished in their persons. 

"But considering that Hsu Yung-yi and the others showed great zeal 
for many years and have always had charge of international questions, 
that they may have been faithful, and that they had shown themselves 
industrious, We should grant them a favor. 

" We command that Li-shan, Hsu Yung-yi, Hsu Cing-cheng, Lien- 
Yuan, and Yuan-chang be restored to their former honors. 

"Let the ministry concerned be informed. 

"Respect this!". 

Correct copy, A. D'Anthouard. 

B. Kroupensky. 
Reginald Tower. 
G. Bohlen-Halbach. 



Annex No. 8. 
IMPERIAL EDICT of the 19th August, 1901 (Translation). 

Edict received by the Grand Chancellery the 6th day of the 7th 
moon of the 27th year Kuang-hsii (19 August, 1901). 

"Considering the report of this day by which Yi-K'uang and Li 
Hung-chang inform Us that the foreign Powers have decided on the 
suspension during five years of civil and military examinations in the 
localities where troubles have taken place; 

" Considering that it is declared that this suspension shall remain 
applicable to the local examinations for licentiates of Shun-t'ien and 
of T'ai-yuan; 

"Considering the list comprising the localities of — 

"Province of Shan-si: T'ai-yuan Fu, Hsin-chou, Tai-ku Hsien, 
Ta-t'ung Fu, Fen-chou Fu, Hsiao-i Hsien, Ch'u-wo Hsien, Ta-ning 
Hsien, Ho-ching Hsien, Yueh-yang Hsien, So-p'ing Fu, Wen-shui 
Hsien, Shuo-yang Hsien, P'ing-} T ang Fu, Ch'ang-tzu Hsien, Kao-p'ing 
Hsien, Tse-chou Fu, Hsi Chou, P'u Hsien, Chiang-chou, Kuei-hua 
Ch'eng, Sui-yuan ch'eng; 



REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 325 

"Province of Ho-nan; Nan-yang Fu, Kuang-chou; 

"Province of Che-chiang: Ch'u-chou Fu; 

"Province of Chih-li; Pei-ching, Shun-t'ien Fu, Pao-ting Fu, 
Yung-ching Hsien, T'ien-ching Fu, Shun-te Fu, Wang-tu Hsien, 
Huai-lu Hsien, Hsin-ngan Hsien, Tung-chou, Wu-i Hsien, Ching- 
chou, Luan-ping Hsien: 

" Three provinces of Manchuria: Sheng- ching (= Mukden), Chia-tzii- 
ch'ang, Lien-shan, Yu-ch'ing-chieh, Pei-lin-tzu, Hu-lan Ch'eng; 

"Province of Shen-si: Ning-chiang Chou; 

"Province of Hu-nan: Heng-chou Fu; 

"We command that in all these localities civil and military exami- 
nations shall be suspended during a period of five years, and We order 
all governors- general, governors, and examiners of the aforesaid prov- 
inces, to act in conformity and to publish proclamations." 

"Respect this!" 

Correct copy, A. D'Anthouard. 

B. Kroupensky. 
Reginald Tower. 
G. Bohlen-Halbach. 



Annex No. 9. 

IMPERIAL EDICT of 18th of June, 1901 {Translation). 

Edict received by telegraph from Hsi-an-Fu the 3d day of the 5th 
moon (18th of June, 1901): 

We confer on Na-Tung, second Vice-President of the Board of 
Finances, the official button of the first rank, and we designate him as 
special Envoy to go to Japan and to there respectfully discharge the 
mission We entrust to him. 
Respect this! 

A. d'Anthouard. 
Correct copy, B. Kroupensky. 

Reginald Tower. 
G. Bohlen-Halbach. 



Annex No. 10. 

list of cemeteries situated in the neighborhood of Peking and which have 

been desecrated. 

British cemetery _ One 

French cemeteries Five 

Russian cemetery _ One 



* Total _ _ Seven 

Correct copy. A. d'Anthouard. 

B. Kroupensky. 
Reginald Tower. 
G. Bohlen-Halbach. 



326 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 

Annex No. 11. 

IMPERIAL EDICT of the 25th of August, 1901 {Translation). 

We command all Tartar Generals, Governors general, and Governors 
of provinces, as well as the Customs taotais, to forbid, in the first 
place for a period of two years, the importation of implements of war 
as well as of material serving exclusively in their manufacture and of 
foreign origin. 
Inform the ministry concerned. 
Respect this! 

A. d'Anthouard. 
Correct copy, B. Kroupensky. 

Reginald Tower. 
G. Bohlen-Halbach. 



Annex No. 12. 

Despatch of Prince Citing and Li Hung-chang to M. de Cologan, 
Minister of /Spain, Doyen of the Diplomatic Body {29 May, 1901) 
{Translation). 

The 12th day of the 4th moon of the 27th year of Kuang-hsu (29th 
May, 1901). 

Official Reply. 

The 7th day of the 4th moon of the present year (24 May, 1901,) we 
received from Your Excellency the following official despatch : 

"I have the honor to acknowledge to Your Highness and Your 
Excellency receipt of the letter which you were pleased to send me in 
reply to my communication dated May 7th concerning the indemnities. 
In the letter to which Your Highness and Your Excellency have just 
replied we informed you that the approximate figure of the expenses 
incurred and of the losses sustained by the Powers amounted to the 
sum of 450 millions of taels, calculated to the 1st of July of the current 
year. 

u ln reply to this communication Your Highness and Your Excel- 
lency have informed me that the Chinese Government proposed to 
pay off this sum to the powers by monthly payments of 1,250,000 taels 
during 30 years. 

"The Representatives of the Powers have not failed to transmit this 
proposal to their Governments. But they must call the attention of 
Your Highness and Your Excellency to the fact that the total of the 
payments proposed by the Chinese Government only represents the 
capital of the sum mentioned, without the question of interest having 
been taken account of. 

"I consequently beg Your Highness and Your Excellency to be so 
kind as to inform us as soon as possible of the intention of the 
Chinese Government in this respect." 

In considering in a previous despatch the question of indemnities, 
we explained to Your Excellency the penury of the Chinese treasury. 

In your last communication Your Excellency is pleased to call our 
attention to the fact that the annual payments of fifteen millions of 



REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 327 

taels which we proposed only represent the capital, and you now call 
our attention to the question of interest. 

As we, on our side, had already considered that besides the capital 
there also had to be taken into consideration the question of annual 
interest at 4 per cent, we had already, by telegram, submitted to the 
Throne proposals on this subject, and in reply we have received an 
Imperial Edict, stating that "the figure of four hundred and fifty mil- 
lions of indemnities to be paid the Powers, with interest at 4 per cent, 
is approved," and we are commanded to take the necessary measures 
to carry out this decision. 

We have, therefore, only to comply with the orders of the Throne. 

Nevertheless this obliges us to recall to Your Excellency that the 
financial resources of China are so restricted that nothing more can be 
taken from them possibly beyond the fifteen millions of taels which 
we have already proposed to Your Excellency to devote specially to the 
payment of indemnities, but as this sum must not only furnish payment 
of the capital, but also that of interest, we have no other alternative 
to propose than to prolong the term of payments, which we had, in the 
first place fixed at 30 years, in such a way that the instalments paid 
during the first period of this term thus extended shall be considered 
as destined to extinguish the capital, while those made during the 
second period shall be applied to liquidating the interest account, after 
which all payments would cease through the extinction of the debt. 
The Imperial Maritime Customs, already entrusted as we suggested, 
with the payments of the capital, would likewise be entrusted with 
the payments on account of interest. As to the amount of the 
annual interest, it would be understood that it would decrease propor- 
tionately every year, according to the progressive reduction of the 
capital. 

We have the honor to request Your Excellency to kindly inform us 
what you think of the plan we suggest above to pay off both capital 
and interest, or if in your opinion it would not be better to consider a 
portion of the fifteen millions paid annually as an instalment on the 
capital to be paid off, and the balance as an instalment on the interest. 
These details require a careful examination, and demand a previous 
and full understanding between the parties. 

China having thus shown its good will in assenting to the demands 
of the Powers on the question of the indemnity, and in taking all the 
necessary steps to insure an integral payment of it, we hope to have 
soon the satisfaction of learning that the Powers are in a position to 
fix an early date for the evacuation. 

We have the honor to request Your Excellency to kindly communi- 
cate the above to the Representatives of the Powers. 

Correct copy. A. d'Anthouard. 

B. Kroupensky. 
Reginald Tower. 
G. Bohlen-Halbach. 



323 



REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 



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REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 



829 



41,250,150 
41, 250, 150 
41,250,150 
41,250,150 




5,900,000 
5, 900, 000 
5, 900, 000 
5,900,000 




: : : z 


Aggregate 
amount 
to be paid, 
tls. 982,- 
238,150. 


""■"■• 


6.41477, or, inclusive of 
the foregoingjrate, 
7.85560 of the tPhiole 
amount of tls. 450,- 
000,000 from the year 
1932. 


; ; : ; 


4.26677, or inclusive of 
the foregoing rate, 
5.44083 of the whole 
amount of tls. 450,- 
000,000 from the year 
1916. 


= "= = = 


4.752000, or, inclusive 
of the foregoing rate, 
5.17406 of the whole 
amount of tls. 450,- 
000, 000 from the year 
1915. 


: 


4.23773, or, inclusive of 
the foregoing rate, 
4.42206 of the whole 
amount of tls. 450,- 
000,000 from the year 
1911. 


: s s s 


4.18433 of the whole 
amount of tls. 450,- 
00 \000 from the year 
1902. 


1937 

1938 

1939 

1940 







w 




o 




OUARD. 

NSKY. 

Tower. 
-Halba 




^ § g s 




53 


fiM SW 


•fcS 


. . K . 




<&&o 


5s 





330 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 

Annex No. 14. 
Description of the boundaries of the Legation quarter at Peking. 

Point 1 is situated on the south wall of the Tartar City an hundred 
feet to the east of the east side of the superstructure of the Ch'ien 
Men. From this point the boundary runs for a distance of two hun- 
dred and sixteen feet, following a line nearly due north, as far as 

Point #, southeast corner of the balustrade in white stone which 
encloses the open paved space before the principal entrance of the 
Imperial City. 

From this point the boundary runs for a length of three hundred 
and ten feet along the east side of this balustrade, nearly directly north 
until 

Point 3, situated on the north side of the road which forms a con- 
tinuation of Legation street, and is at the intersection of the boundary 
line coming from 2 and of a line drawn along the continuation of the 
north side of the Legation street. 

From this point the line runs for a length of six hundred and forty- 
one feet and a half (measured around and in the angles of the wall) 
along the north side of Legation street as far as 

Point 4-, at one hundred and f ort}^-six to the west of the corner 
(southwest) of Gaselee road, measured along the north of Legation 
street. 

From this point the boundary runs for a length of two thousand one 
hundred and fifty-two feet (measured around and in the angles of the 
buildings) in a general northerly direction, but following the line of 
the buildings now existing and, in the open spaces between the build- 
ings, a line parallel to the general line of the buildings on the left side 
of Gaselee road and at one hundred and fifty-seven feet on the west 
side of the west side of the gate which leads from Gaselee road to the 
exterior court of the Imperial City, as far as 

Point 5, on the south side of the south wall of the interior court of 
the Imperial City, and at one hundred and fifty-seven feet from the 
west side of the gate at the end of Gaselee road. 

From this point the line runs for a distance of one thousand two 
hundred and eighty-eight feet nearly directly toward the east, along 
the wall as far as 

Point 6, southeast corner of the exterior court of the Imperial City. 

From there the line runs nearly directly north along the wall for a 
distance of two hundred and eighteen feet measured in a straight line to 

Point 7, northeast corner of the exterior court. 

From there the line runs nearly due east for a distance of six 
hundred and eighty-one feet to 

Point #, southeast corner of the wall of the Imperial City. 

From there the boundary runs nearly due north for a distance of 
sixty-five feet along the wall to 

Point 9, at sixty-five feet from the southeast corner of the wall of 
the Imperial City. 

From there the boundary runs direct due east for a distance of three 
thousand and ten feet to 

Point 10, on the west side of Ketteler Strasse and at three hundred 
feet from the angle of intersection of Ketteler Strasse and the Viale 
Italia. 



PEKING LEGATION. BOUNDARIES 

PLANE" TABLE SURVEY 



JK 



&c* le 4 toft lonnch = /' 

/•.i < » r r r^ r r r° r r -p-^,' " >?** 



8MNDARY LIN£ 

"~~'-Z':":r~"~:~ roads 

ll/IWWIWIWI/IWII/A BUIUHNCS 




REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 331 

From this point the boundary runs nearly due south along the 
west side of Ketteler Strasse to 

Point 11, northwest corner of the archway of the Hatamen, on the 
south wall of the Tartar City. 

From there the boundary runs along the wall and includes the west 
ramp of the Hatamen to 

Point 12, on the wall at one hundred feet to the west of the super- 
structure of the Hatamen. 

From Point 12, the boundary follows the south side of the wall, as 
shown in the plan, including in it the bastions and joins 1. 

The points of the plan which have been fixed are the following: 

A. Point at one hundred and seven feet from the superstructure of 
the Chien-Men, measured to the east along the north side of the crest 
of the wall of the Tartar City. 

B. Point on the top of the north edge of the wall of the Tartar City, 
exactly above the middle of the canal for the drainage of water. 

C. Northwest corner of the superstructure of the Hatamen. 

Correct copy. A. d'Anthouard. 

B. Kroupensky. 
Reginald Tower. 
G. Bohlen-Halbach. 



Annex No. 15. 
IMPERIAL EDICT of February 1, 1901. 

In all the provinces bandits called for followers and established 
antif oreign societies. Various edicts were issued formally forbidding 
this. We repeated this many times, but, nevertheless, in late years 
there have been in all the Shan-tung districts sects under the name of 
Ta-tao-huei (Great Knives Society) and I-ho-chuan (Boxers), which 
spread everywhere, with the object of willful murder and theft. 
Little by little they reached the Chi-li territory and suddenly entered 
the capital, where they set fire to the foreign establishments and 
attacked the Legations. Crimes were also committed against neighbor- 
ing countries and offenses against the general interest. For not having 
assured protection we have incurred heavy responsibilities. 

You people who in ordinary times nourish yourselves and live from 
the products of this land, and who have all been loaded with the 
Empire's favors — you have, however, dared to incite these bandits 
with the desire to fight, to teach methods for casting spells, and to 
devote themselves to false practices. You have rashly resisted your 
officials, whom you have massacred; }^ou have assassinated foreigners, 
and then } t ou have been the cause of unprecedented calamities, which 
above all else have plunged your Sovereign and your fathers in grief. 

We can not think of what has been done without feeling a still 
deeper resentment. We have already formally ordered the Commanders 
in chief of all the regions to use their most strenuous efforts to destroy 
these societies. It is incumbent that the root of the evil be suppressed, 
and the Princes and Ministers who have lent their support to the Box- 
ers shall suffer the heaviest penalties according to their crimes, and in 



33 % REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 

order to inspire fear, all civil and military examinations shall be sus- 
pended during five years in all cities where foreigners were massacred 
or suffered cruel treatment. 

Fearing lest the ignorant rural populations may not hear (of these 
punishments), new and severe prohibitions shall be specially made in 
order to avoid the execution of people who have not been notified. 

You, soldiers and people, should know that it is formally forbidden 
by law to organize or belong to secret societies. Our ancestors have 
never shown the slightest indulgence in the repression of societies of 
malefactors. 

Moreover, the foreign Powers are all friendly countries, the Chris- 
tians are children of our blood whom the Court regards with a same 
kindness, and It could not allow different sentiments to be displayed 
towards them. All Chinese, whether Christians or not, who may be 
illtreated, should complain to the authorities and wait until a fair and 
equitable judgment is rendered. How can you lightly believe all the 
rumors which have been spread ? How can you disregard the penal 
laws? 

Then, when all is lost, the clever ones save themselves by flight and 
the innocent are put to death. The law is slow to pardon, and all that 
has happened is really very regrettable. From the publication of this 
present edict, each one must reform and repent him of the teaching 
he has received. 

If hardened and incorrigible malefactors should again secretly organ- 
ize antiforeign societies, they shall be punished by death, as well as 
those belonging to these societies. They shall not be shown the slight- 
est mercy. 

The Tartar Generals, Governors-general, Governors, and High pro- 
vincial Authorities whose duty it is to direct the population, should give 
explicit instructions to their subordinates to publish severe proclama- 
tions and to have the present edict printed on yellow paper, which 
shall be posted in all parts of the Empire. It is important that all 
families be notified, and urged to good conduct, and that all be informed 
that the will of the Court is that everyone should thoroughly under- 
stand that punishments will be meted out, in order to avoid the neces- 
sity of inflicting other punishments. 

Let this edict be made known to all in the Empire. 

Respect this! 

Correct cojpy: A. d'Anthouard. 

B. Kroupensky. 
Reginald Tower. 
G. Bohlen-Halbach. 



Annex No. 16. 
IMPERIAL EDICT of December % 1901 {Translation). 

It has been stipulated in the treaties concluded between China and 
the Foreign Powers that the citizens of these Powers shall be allowed 
to penetrate into the interior. 

The Court, in order to assure and maintain relations with other 
countries, has already published decrees ordering that most sincere 
efforts be made in the provinces to assure protection. Nevertheless, 



REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 333 

the local authorities having gradually grown lax (in the exercise 
of their duties), malefactors have caused trouble, and attacks have 
been directed against foreigners. Similar incidents have repeatedly 
occurred. 

We realize that our ability was too limited to reform the ignorant 
people, and consequently we have made very grievous mistakes. In 
ordinary times, not one of the local officials has been able to make 
understood European affairs, and none have comprehended the impor- 
tance of foreign relations. Consequently the conflagration spread 
everywhere, threatening the Empire, and, if they reflect, they will 
And they have cause for uneasiness. 

Henceforth each one of }^ou must strive to overcome his resentment 
and to lay aside his prejudices. You should know that the maintenance 
of friendly relations with foreign countries has in all times been a 
fundamental law. People coming to China from afar, whether as 
merchants to exchange their products, or as travelers to increase their 
scientific knowledge, or yet as missionaries to preach religion with 
the object of exhorting the people to do good, have crossed mountains 
and seas at the risk of great fatigue. 

Since China passes for a civilized country, it should practice the 
duties of a host toward its guests. Moreover, the Chinese who have 
gone abroad in recent years number at least several hundreds of thou- 
sands. The safety of their persons and property depends upon the 
guaranty assured them by the Powers, who have given them their pro- 
tection. How could we continue to treat their citizens differently ? 

We again command all the responsible High civil and military Author- 
ities of all the provinces to order their subordinates to protect, in the 
most efficacious manner, the agents and nationals of the foreign Pow- 
ers who may enter within their districts. In case daring malefactors 
should urge to illtreat and massacre foreigners, order must be restored 
immediately and the guilty parties arrested and punished without 
delay. No delay should occur. If, owing to indifference, or rather of 
voluntary tolerance, great calamities take place, or if treaties should 
be violated and no immediate steps taken to make reparation or inflict 
punishment, the Governors-general, Governors, and the provincial or 
local Officials responsible will be removed and shall not be reappointed 
to other offices in other provinces, or hope to be reinstated or receive 
any further honors. 

The present decree must be printed and published to warn the officials 
and put an end to all shameful customs. 

Respect this! 

Correct copy: A. d'Anthouard. 

B. Kroupensky. 
Reginald Tower. 
G. Bohlen-Halbach. 



Annex No. 17. 

Regulations for the improvement of the course of the Whangpu, 

I. A River Conservancy Board is established at Shanghai for the 
Whangpu river. 

II; The Board shall have the twofold duty of acting as agent for the 
straightening and improvement of the river, and as controlling agent. 



334 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 

III. The jurisdiction of the Board shall extend from a line drawn 
from the lower limit of the Kiang-nan Arsenal towards the mouth of 
Arsenal Creek, to the red buoy in the Yangtze. 

IV. The Board shall consist of: (a) The Taotai; (b) the Commis- 
sioner of Customs; (c) two members elected by the Consular Body; 
(d) two members of the General Chamber of Commerce of Shanghai, 
elected by the committee of the said Chamber; (e) two members repre- 
senting shipping interests, elected by shipping companies, commercial 
firms, and the merchants the total of whose entrances and clearances 
at Shanghai, Woosung, and other ports on the Whangpu exceeds 
50,000 tons per annum; (f) a member of the municipal Council of the 
International Settlement; (g) a member of the municipal Council of the 
French Concession, and (h) a representative of each country the total 
tonnage of whose ships entering and clearing at Shanghai and any 
other port of the Whangpu exceeds two hundred thousand tons a year. 

V. The ex officio members shall hold office as long as they fill the 
position by virtue of which they sit on the Board. 

VI. The representatives of the municipal Councils and of the Cham- 
ber of Commerce shall be elected for a period of one year. They may 
be immediately reelected. 

The term of office of the members to be designated by the Govern- 
ments (provided under paragraph h) shall also be one year. 

The term of the other members is for three years. They may be 
immediately reelected. 

VII. In case of a vacancy during a term, the successor of the out- 
going member shall be designated for one year or for three years, 
according to the class to which he belongs. 

VIII. The Board shall elect its Chairman and Vice-Chairman from 
amongst its members for a term of one year. If there is no majority 
at the election of Chairman, the Senior Consul shall be requested to 
give a casting vote. 

IX. In case of the absence of the Chairman the Vice-Chairman shall 
take his place. If both of them are absent the members shall choose 
amongst themselves a President for the occasion. 

X. In all meetings of the Board, if votes are equally divided, the 
Chairman shall have a casting vote. 

XL Four members form a quorum. 

XII. The Board shall appoint the officials and employees deemed 
necessary for carrying out the works and enforcing its regulations; it 
shall fix their salaries, wages, and gratuities, and shall pay them out 
of the funds placed at its disposal, and it may make regulations and 
take every measure necessary concerning its staff, which it can dismiss 
at pleasure. 

XIII. The Board shall decide on the necessary steps for the regulation 
of traffic, including the placing of moorings in the river and the berthing 
of vessels within the limits indicated in Article III, and on all water 
courses (such as the Soochow Creek and others) passing through the 
French Concession or the International Settlement at Shanghai and 
the foreign quarter at Woosung, as well as on all the other creeks 
emptying into the river, for a distance of 2 English miles above 
their mouths. 

XIV. The Board shall have power to expropriate the private moor- 
ings and to establish a system of public moorings in the river. 

XV. The authorization of the Board shall be necessary to carry out 



REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 335 

any dredging, to build bunds, to construct jetties, or to place pontoons 
and hulks in the section of the river mentioned in Article XIII. The 
Board may, at its discretion, refuse such authorization. 

XVI. The Board shall have full power to remove all obstacles in 
the river, or the above-mentioned creeks, and to recover, if necessary, 
the cost of so doing from those responsible. 

XVII. The Board shall have control of all floating lights, buoys, 
beacons, landmarks, and light signals within the section of the river and 
within the creeks mentioned in Article XIII, as well as over such marks 
on the shore as may be necessary for the safe navigation of the river, 
with the exception of light-houses, which shall remain subject to 
Article XXXII of the treaty of 1858 between Great Britain and China. 

XVIII. The improvement and conservancy works of the Whangpu 
shall be entirely under the technical control of the Board, even should 
the carrying out of them necessitate works beyond the limits of its 
jurisdiction. In this case the necessary orders will be transmitted by 
and the work will be done with the consent of the Chinese authorities. 

XIX. The Board shall receive and disburse all the funds collected 
for the works and take, in conjunction with the competent authorities, 
all proper and efficacious measures to ensure the collection of the taxes 
and the enforcement of the regulations. 

XX. The Board shall appoint the Harbour Master and his staff. 
This department shall act, within the limits of the powers assigned to 
the board, in the section of the river indicated in Article XIII. 

XXI. The Board shall have authority to organize a police and watch 
service to ensure the execution of its regulations and orders. 

XXII. The Board shall have the direction and control of the Shang- 
hai (Lower Yangtze) pilot service. Licenses for pilots for ships bound 
for Shanghai shall only be issued by the Board and at its discretion. 

XXIII. In case of infractions of its regulations, the Board shall sue 
offenders in the following way: Foreigners, before their respective 
consuls or competent judicial authority; Chinese or foreigners whose 
Governments are not represented in China, in the mixed Court, in the 
presence of a foueign assessor. 

XXIV. All suits against the Board shall be brought before the Court 
of Consuls at Shanghai. The Board shall be represented in suits by its 
secretary. 

XXV. Members of the Board and persons employed by it shall not 
incur any personal responsibility for the votes and acts of the Board, 
for contracts made or expenses incurred by the said body, when the 
said votes, acts, contracts, and expenses concern the carrying out or 
the enforcement, under the authority or by order of the Board or of 
one of its branches, of the regulations enacted by said body. 

XXVI. Besides the provisions mentioned in Article XIII o thef 
present annex, the Board shall have power to enact, within the limits 
of its competency, all necessary ordinances and regulations, and to fix 
fines for the violation thereof. 

XXVII. The ordinances and regulations mentioned in Article XXVI 
shall be submitted for the approbation of the Consular Body. If two 
months after presenting the draft of the proposed ordinances and reg- 
ulations the Consular Body has made no objection or suggested no 
modification, it shall be considered as approved and shall come into 
force. 



336 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 

XXVIII. The Board shall have power to acquire by purchase the 
lands necessary for carrying out the works of improvement and con- 
servanc} 7 of the Whangpu and to dispose of them. 

If, for this purpose, it shall be deemed necessary to expropriate land, 
the rules laid down in Article VI (a) of u The Land Regulations for 
the Foreign Settlement of Shanghai North of the Yang-king-pang" 
shall be followed. The price shall be fixed by a Committee consisting 
of, first, a person chosen by the authority to whose jurisdiction the 
owner is subject; second, one chosen by the Board, and, third, one 
chosen by the Dean of the Consular Corps. 

XXIX. Riparian owners shall have the refusal of all land made in 
front of their properties by the reclamation carried out for the 
improvement of the waterways in question. The purchase price of 
these lands shall be fixed by a Committee composed in the same man- 
ner as provided for in Article XXVIII. 

XXX. The revenues of the Board are to be derived from — 

(a) An annual tax of one-tenth of 1 per cent (0.1 per cent) on the 
assessed value of all lands and houses in the French Concession and 
the International Settlement. 

(b) A tax of equal amount on all property with water frontage on 
the Whangpu, from a line drawn from the lower limit of the Kiang-nan 
Arsenal toward the mouth of Arsenal Creek to the place where the 
Whangpu empties into the Yangtze. The assessed value of this prop- 
erty shall be fixed by the Committee mentioned in Article XXVIII. 

(c) A tax of five candereens per ton on all ships of non-Chinese type 
and of a tonnage superior to 150 tons entering or leaving the port of 
Shanghai, Woosung, or any other port on the Whangpu. 

Ships of non-Chinese t}^pe of 150 tons and under shall pay a quarter 
of the above-mentioned tax. These taxes shall only be leviable on 
each ship once every four months, irrespective of the number of its 
entrances and clearances. 

Foreign-built ships navigating the Yangtze and only stopping at 
Woosung to take their river papers shall be exempted from the taxes 
above mentioned, on condition that on their wa}^ up or down they shall 
not carry on any commercial transactions at Woosung. They shall, 
however, be allowed to take on water and supplies at Woosung. 

(d) A tax of one-tenth of 1 per centum (0.1 per cent) on all merchan- 
dise passing through the customs at Shanghai, Woosung, or any other 
port on the Whangpu. 

(e) An annual contribution from the Chinese Government equal to 
that supplied by the various foreign interests. 

XXXI. The collection of the taxes enumerated in Article XXX 
shall be made through the medium of the following authorities: 

Tax a, by the respective Municipalities. 

Tax &, to be collected from persons under the jurisdiction of Gov- 
ernments represented in China by their respective Consuls; the taxes 
to be collected from Chinese or from persons whose Governments are 
not represented in China by the Taotai. 

Taxes c and d, by the Imperial Maritime Customs. 

XXXII. Should the total annual revenues of the Board not be suf- 
ficient for the payment of interest and the amortization of the capital 
to be borrowed for carrying out the works, for keeping up the com- 
pleted works, and for the service in general, the Board shall have the 
power to increase in the same proportion the various taxes on shipping, 



REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 337 

on land and houses, and on trade, to a figure sufficient to supply its 
recognized needs. This eventual increase would apply in the same 
proportion to the contribution of the Chinese Government mentioned 
in paragraph e of Article XXX. 

XXXIII. The Board shall give notice to the Superintendent of 
Southern Trade and to the Consular Body of the necessity for the 
increase referred to in Article XXXII. Such increase shall only come 
into force after its approval by the Consular Body at Shanghai. 

XXXIV. The Board shall submit to the Superintendent of Southern 
Trade and to the Consular Body at Shanghai, within six months after 
the closing of each financial year, its annual accounts, accompanied by 
a detailed report on the general management and the receipts and 
expenditures during the preceding twelve months. This report shall 
be published. 

XXXV. If the exact and published accounts of receipts and expend- 
itures show a balance of receipts over expenses, the taxes mentioned 
in Article XXX shall be proportionately reduced by the Board and 
the Consular Body at Shanghai acting conjointly. The eventual reduc- 
tion shall apply in the same proportion to the contribution of the 
Chinese Government referred to in paragraph e of Article XXX. 

XXXVI. At the expiration of the first term of three years the 
signatories shall examine conjointly whether the provisions contained 
in the present annex require revision. A new revision can take place 
every three years under the same conditions. 

XXXVII. The regulations of the Board within the limits provided 
for in Article XIII, and subject to the approbation of the Consular 
Body at Shanghai, shall be binding on all foreigners. 

Done at Peking September 7th, 1901, 

Correct copy, A. d'Anthouard. 

B. Kroupensky. 
Reginald Tower. 
G. Bohlen-Halbach. 



Annex No. 18. 
IMPERIAL EDICT of the ^th July, 1901 {Translation). 

The 9th day of the 6th moon the Grand Chancellery received the fol- 
lowing Edict: 

"The creation of offices and the determination of their duties has 
until now been regulated by the requirements of the times. Now, at 
the present time, when a new treaty of peace is concluded, international 
affairs take the first place among important business, and it is more 
than ever necessary to have recourse to competent men to devote 
themselves to all that relates to establishing friendly relations and con- 
fidence in speech. 

4 'The Office of Foreign Affairs, formerly created to treat interna- 
tional questions, has been in existence, it is true, for years, but, in 
view of the Princes and Ministers composing it only discharging for 
the most part their functions accessoril} T with others, they could not 
devote themselves to them exclusively. It is naturally, therefore, 

S. Doc. 67 22 



338 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 

proper to create special functions, so that each one may have his par- 
ticular attributions. 

"We command, in consequence, that the Office of Foreign Affairs 
(Tsung-li ko kuo shih-wu ya-men) be changed into a Ministry of For- 
eign Affairs (Wai-wu Pu) and take rank before the six Ministries. And 
we designate Yi-K'uang, Prince Ch'ing of the first rank, as President 
of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. 

" Wang Wen-shao, Grand Secretary of State of the Ti-jen Ko, is 
appointed Assistant-President of the Ministiy of Foreign Affairs. 
Ch'u Hung-chi, President of the Board of Works, is transferred with 
the same rank to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in which he is 
appointed Assistant-President. Hsu Shou-p'eng, Director of the 
Imperial Stud, and Lien -fang, Expectant Metropolitan Subdirector 
of the third or fourth rank, are appointed first and second Directors 
(or Assistant Secretaries). 

"As regards the fixing of the personnel, the rules to be followed in 
its choice, the salaries to be given the Ministers, Directors, and other 
Agents, We command the Councilors of State to come to an agreement 
with the Board of Civil Office and to promptly submit to Us their con- 
clusions in a report. 

"Respect this." 

Correct copy. A. D'Anthouard. 

B. Kroupensky. 
Reginald Tower. 
G. Bohlen-Halbach. 



Annex No. 19. 
MEMO RAND UM on the ceremonial to he followed in solemn audiences. 

1°. Solemn audiences to be given by His Majesty the Emperor of 
China to the Diplomatic Body or to Representatives of the Powers sepa- 
rately shall take place in the palace hall called "Ch'ien-ch'ing Kung." 

2°. In going to or coming back from these solemn audiences the Rep- 
resentatives of the Powers shall be carried in their sedan chairs as far 
as outside of the Ching-yun gate. At the Ching-yun gate they will 
get out of the sedan chair in which they have come and will be carried 
in a little chair (i chiao) as far as the foot of the steps of the Ch'ien- 
ch'ing gate. 

On arriving at the Ch'ien-ch'ing gate the Representatives of the 
Powers shall get out of their chairs, and shall proceed on foot into the 
presence of His Majesty in the Ch'ien-ch'ing Kung hall. 

When departing the Representatives of the Powers shall return to 
their residences in the same manner as that in which they arrived. 

3°. When a Representative of a Power shall have occasion to present 
to His Majesty the Emperor his letters of credence or a communica- 
tion from the Head of the State by whom he is accredited, the Emperor 
shall cause to be sent to the residence of said Representative, to bear him 
to the Palace, a sedan chair with yellow trimmings and tassels, such as 
are used by the Princes of the Imperial family. The said Representa- 
tive shall be taken back to his residence in the same manner. An escort 
of troops shall likewise be sent to the residence of said Representative 
to accompany him going and returning. 



REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 339 

4?. When presenting his letters of credence or communication from 
the Head of the State by whom he is accredited, the Diplomatic Agent, 
while bearing said letters or communications, shall pass by the central 
openings of the Palace doors until he has arrived in the presence of 
His Majesty. On returning from these audiences he will comply, as 
regards the doors by which he may have to pass, with the usages 
already established at the Court of Peking for audiences given to For- 
eign Representatives. 

5°. The Emperor shall receive directly into his hands the letters and 
communications above mentioned which the Foreign Representatives 
may have to hand to him. 

6°. If His Majesty should decide upon inviting to a banquet the 
Representatives of the Powers it is well understood that this banquet 
shall be given in one of the halls of the Imperial Palace and that His 
Majesty shall be present in person. 

7°. In brief, the ceremonial adopted by China as regards Foreign 
Representatives shall, in no case, be different from that which results 
from perfect equality between the Countries concerned and China, 
and without any loss of prestige on one side or the other. 

Correct copy. A. D'Anthouard. 

B. Kroupensky. 
Reginald Tower. 
G. Bohlen-Halbach. 



Mr. Conger to Mr. Hay. 

No. 776.] Legation of the United States, 

Pekin, October U, 1901. 

Sir: I have the honor to inclose herewith a translation of the bond 
for the lump sum or total indemnity of 450,000,000 taels, which, in 
compliance with paragraph (c) of Article VI of the Final Protocol, was 
yesterday delivered to His Excellency Mr. B. J. de Cologan, as Dean 
of the Diplomatic Corps, signed and sealed by the plenipotentiaries, 
Prince Ch'ing and Li Hung-chang, and bearing the official seal of the 
Imperial Board of Revenue. 

I will send a copy of the bond in French and Chinese as soon as it 
can be obtained. 

lam, etc., E. H. Conger. 



[Inclosure.— Translation.] 

We, Prince Ch'ing, Grand Secretary Li Hung-chang, and the Ministers of Finance, 
deliver the present bond, according to the clauses of Article VI of the protocol 
signed September 7, 1901, by the Plenipotentiaries of the eleven powers, viz: Ger- 
many, Austria-Hungary, Belgium, Spain, the United States of America, France, 
Great Britain, Italy, Japan, Holland, and Russia, and by the Chinese plenipotenti- 
aries, who stipulate the following: 

By an Imperial Edict dated May 29, 1901, His Majesty the Emperor of China 
agreed to pay the Powers an indemnity of 450,000,000 haikwan taels, calculated in 



340 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 

gold at the rate of the haikwan tael to the gold currency of each country, as indi- 
cated below: 

Haikwan tael equals in — 

Marks 3. 055 

Austro-Hungary crown 3. 595 

Gold dollar 742 

Francs 3. 750 

Pound sterling l S 

Yen 1. 407 

Florin, Netherlands 1. 796 

Gold ruble (17. 424 = dolias fine) 1. 412 

This sum in gold*shall bear interest at 4 per cent per annum, and the capital shall 
be reimbursed by China in thirty-nine years, under the conditions indicated in the 
plan of amortization annexed to said protocol. 

The principal and interest shall be payable in gold or at the rates of exchange cor- 
responding to the dates at which the different payments fall due. 

The amortization shall be paid annually. 

The interest shall be paid semiannually, and shall start from the 1st of July, 1901, 
but the Chinese Government shall have the right to pay off, within a term of three 
years, commencing January 1, 1902, the arrears of the first six months, finishing 
December 31, 1901, on condition, however, that it pays compound interest at the rate 
of 4 per cent per annum on the sums the payments of which shall have thus been 
deferred. 

The present bond shall be converted into fractional bonds, signed by the delegates 
of the Chinese Government designated for this purpose. 

The resources assigned as security for the bonds are the following: 

1. The balance of the revenues of the Imperial Maritime Customs, after payment 
of the interest and amortization of previous loans secured on these revenues, plus 
the proceeds of the raising to 5 per cent effective of the present tariff on maritime 
imports, including articles until, now on the free list, but exempting rice, cereals, and 
flour from abroad, gold and silver bullion, and coin. 

2. The revenues of the native customs, administered in the open ports by the 
Imperial Maritime Customs. 

3. The total revenues of the salt gabelle, exclusive of the fraction previously set 
aside for other foreign loans. 

The product of the resources assigned to the payment of the bonds shall be remitted 
monthly to the commission of bankers designated by the various powers for the 
collection of the sums belonging to each of them. 

The present bond represents the sum of 450,000,000 haikwan taels, calculated in 
gold at the rate corresponding to the gold' currency of each country as indicated 
above. 



TELEGRAPHIC CORRESPONDENCE. 

[August 26, 1900-September 10, 1901.] 

Mr. Adee to Mr. Conger. 

[Telegram.— Paraphrase.] 

Washington, August 26, 1900. 
(Mr. Adee states that Mr. Rockhill was appointed, while Mr. Conger 
was inaccessible, as special agent to examine and report on situation. 
He will reach Peking shortly. Instructs to confer fully with him, and 
make joint recommendation as to action now and for the future.) 



Mr. Conger to Mr. Hay. 

[Telegram. — Paraphrase.] 

Peking, September 12, 1900. 
(Mr. Conger acknowledges Department's telegram containing Rus- 
sian declaration and reply of United States, and reports that a large 

1 Shillings. 



REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 341 

part of the Russian forces is now being withdrawn. The restoration 
of order in this province or of Chinese authority in Peking is, for the 
present, impossible. Joint military occupation of Peking is absolutely 
essential to successful negotiations, and should continue until same are 
completed. One-third of the present force will suffice. 
- Mr. Conger does not believe, from his acquaintance with Prince 
Ching and Earl Li, that they can offer any feasible plan. It must be 
devised by foreign powers, hence the necessity of their early confer- 
ence and agreement.) 

Mr. Hill to Mr. Conger, 

[Telegram.] 

Washington, September 00, 1900. 
Part 1. On September 17 the Chinese minister presented copy of 
circular telegram from Prince Ching announcing appointment as the 
plenipotentiary conjointly with Li Hung Chang to negotiate peace and 
requesting that United States minister at Pekin be instructed to open 
negotiations. The following reply has been made to-day to Chinese 
minister: 

The Government of the United States accepts the plenipotentiary authority of 
Earl Li Hung Chang and Prince Ching as prima facie sufficient for the preliminary 
negotiations looking toward the return of the Imperial Chinese Government and to 
the resumption of authority at Pekin and toward the negotiations of a complete 
settlement by the duly appointed plenipotentiaries of the powers and of China. To 
these ends the United States minister in Pekin will be authorized to enter into rela- 
tions with Earl Li and Prince Ching as the immediate representatives of the Chinese 
Government and Emperor. 

Part 2. On September 17 the Russian charge delivered a memoran- 
dum inquiring, first, whether the United States intends to transfer its 
legation from Pekin to Tientsin; second, if full powers of Prince 
Ching and Li Hung Chang are recognized by the United States as 
sufficient; third, if the United States is prepared to charge its repre- 
sentatives to enter forthwith upon preliminary negotiations with the 
plenipotentiary of the Chinese Emperor. 

The following reply has been sent to the Russian charge to-day: 

1. The Government of the United States has not any present intentions to with- 
draw its legation from Pekin. 

2. The Government of the United States accepts the plenipotentiary authority of 
Earl Li Hung Chang and Prince Ching as prima facie sufficient for the preliminary 
negotiations looking toward the return of the Imperial Chinese Government and to 
the resumption of its authority at Pekin and toward the negotiations of complete 
settlement by the duly appointed plenipotentiaries of the powers and of China. 

3. To these ends the United States minister in Pekin will be authorized to enter 
into relations with Earl Li and Prince Ching as the immediate representatives of 
the Chinese Emperor. 

Part 3. On September 18 the German charge communicated by note 
the Imperial German circular proposition that as a prerequisite to any 
negotiations the Chinese Government shall deliver the real responsible 
authors of crimes against international law recently perpetrated in 
China. 

To this the following note has been handed the German charge to- 
day: 

In response to your inquiry of the 18th instant as to the attitude of the Govern- 
ment of the United States as regards the exemplary punishment of the notable leaders 



342 REPOET OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 

in the crimes committed in Pekin against international law, I have the honor to make 
the following statement: 

The Government of the United States has from the outset proclaimed its purpose 
to hold to the uttermost the responsible authors of any wrongs done in China to citi- 
zens of the United States and their interests, as was stated in the Government circular 
to the powers of July 3 last. These wrongs have been committed not alone in 
Pekin, but in many parts of the Empire, and their punishment is believed to be an 
essential element of any effective settlement which shall prevent a recurrence of such 
outrages and bring about permanent safety and peace in China. It is thought, how- 
ever, that no punitive results can be so effective by way of reparation for wrongs 
suffered and as examples for the future as the degradation and punishment of the 
responsible authors by the supreme Imperial authority itself, and it seems only just 
to China that she should be afforded in the first instance the opportunity to do this, 
and thus rehabilitate herself before the world. Believing thus, and without abating 
in any wise its deliberate purpose to exact the fullest accountability from the respon- 
sible authors of the wrongs we have suffered in China, the Government of the United 
States is not disposed as a preliminary condition to entering into diplomatic negotia- 
tions with the Chinese Government to join in demand that said Government surrender 
to the powers such persons as to the determination of the powers themselves may be 
held to be first and perpetrators of these wrongs. On the other hand, this Govern- 
ment is disposed to hold that the punishment of the high responsible authors of these 
wrongs, not only in Pekin but throughout China, is essentially a condition to be 
embraced and provided for in the negotiations for a final settlement. It is proposed 
by this Government at the earliest practicable moment to name its plenipotentiaries 
for negotiating a settlement with China, and in the meantime to authorize its minister 
in Pekin to enter into conference with the representatives of the Chinese Government 
with a view to bring about a preliminary agreement whereby full exercise of the 
Imperial authority for the preservation of order and the protection of foreign life and 
property throughout north China pending final negotiations with the Chinese shall 
be assured. 

Hill, Acting. 



Mr. Conger to the Secretary of State. 

[Telegram. — Paraphrase.] 

Peking, September 27, 1900. 
(Mr. Conger reports that notice has to-day been sent by Prince 
Ching that he, Earl Li, Yung Lu, and Viceroys Liu Kun-yi and Chang 
Chih-tung are all to concert in peace negotiations. Li is at Tientsin 
and Jung Lu is in the interior. No request has yet been made to 
negotiate, nor have powers been exhibited. •* * * Chinese Gov- 
ernment has made no visible effort to restore order.) 



Mr. Hill to Mr. Conger. 

[Telegram.— Paraphrase.] 

Washington, September W. 
(Mr. Hill states that this Government laid down, in a memorandum 
handed to Mr. Wu on September 7, the principle that it was unwilling 
to negotiate through any person who is believed to share responsibility 
for the recent outrages committed in Peking upon foreigners. Earl 
Li Hung Chang and Prince Ching, having presented prima facie evi- 
dence of their full powers as negotiators immediately representing the 
Emperor of China, and the former having given assurances that the 
lives and property of Americans in China will be respected, they have 
been informed that their plenipotentiaiy authority is accepted as suf- 



REPORT OF COMMISSIONER 10 CHINA. 343 

ficient for the preliminary negotiations looking toward the return of 
the Imperial Chinese Government and the resumption of its authority 
in Peking, and toward the negotiation of a final settlement by the duly 
appointed plenipotentiaries of the powers and of China. To these ends 
Mr. Conger is authorized to enter into relations with Earl Li and Prince 
Ching as the immediate representatives of the Chinese Emperor, in 
case their authority continues to appear satisfactory, for the purposes 
already defined. 

In his preliminary communications with Earl Li and Prince Ching 
Mr. Conger will obtain valuable guidance as to the purposes of this 
Government by referring to the circular telegram of July 3, in which 
the general intentions of this Government are fully represented. 

Mr. Conger is directed to constantly bear in mind the principle laid 
down in the memorandum of September 7, and to withhold recogni- 
tion from all persons proposed as negotiators not acceptable under its 
terms or not possessed of immediate full power from the Emperor of 
China. 

In case of further wrongs anywhere in China to American life or 
property Mr. Conger will remind Earl Li of his promise of protection 
and insist upon it as a condition of continued relations. 

His legation will, until further instructed, remain in Peking under 
the protection of an adequate military guard, which has been ordered 
to remain there for that purpose. Mr. Conger will endeavor to prepare 
the way for such final negotiations as may hereafter be found necessary 
to accomplish the declared purposes of the United States, making full 
report of his progress and, before concluding definite arrangements, 
awaiting further instructions from the Department.) 



Mr. Conger to the Secretary of State. 

[Telegram.— Paraphrase.] 

Peking, October 3, 1900. 
(Mr. Conger reports that on September 25 an Imperial decree was 
issued acknowledging the responsibility of the Chinese Government 
for the recent troubles, the Emperor accepting his share. The decree 
deprives Princes Chuang, Tsai Lien , and Tsai Ying of all titles of nobility ; 
removes Prince Tuan from office and turns him over to Imperial clan 
court for determination of punishment, and hands over Duke Lan, 
Ying Men, Kang Yi, and Chao Shu-Chiao to proper boards for further 
punishments. He is evidently feeling his way, but others must be 
included, and most severe and lasting punishment be insisted upon 
finally.) 



Mr. Hay to Mr. Conger* 

[Telegram.— Paraphrase.] 

Washington, October 3, 1900. 
(Mr. Hay states that the Imperial edict of September 25 has been 
communicated by the Chinese minister, whereby Prince Chuang, Prince 
Yih, secondary princes Tsai Lien and Tsai Ying are deprived of all 



344 EEPOET OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 

their respective ranks and offices; Prince Tuan is deprived of office and 
is handed over to the Imperial clan court, which shall consult and decide 
upon a severe penalty, and his salary is to be stopped. Duke Tsai 
Lan and the president of the censorate, Ying Men, are handed over to 
said board, who shall consult and decide upon a severe penalty, and 
Kang Yi, assistant grand secretary and president of the civil board, 
and Chao Shu-chiao, president of the board of punishments, are handed 
over to the board of censors, who shall consult and decide upon a penalty. 

This edict, if it embraces all the high responsible officials to whom 
are imputable the crimes and wrongs against foreign legations, and if 
it leads to condign punishment which shall for the future safeguard 
our citizens and prevent a recurrence of the disasters from which we 
and other powers have suffered, may be regarded as a notable step in 
the direction of peace and order in China. 

Mr. Conger is directed to report immediately, first, if the principal 
responsible authors are correctly and satisfactorily enumerated in the 
list given in the edict; secondly, if the punishments proposed accord 
with the gravity of the crimes committed, and, third, in what manner 
assurance that these punishments are carried out is to be given to the 
powers. 

Before answering these inquiries Mr. Conger will confer with his 
colleagues.)" 



Mr. Conger to the Secretary of State, 

[Telegram. — Partly paraphrased.] 

Peking, October 16, 1900. 
(Mr. Conger reports that the following has been submitted by 
Prince Ching and Earl Li as a general preliminary treatj^, together 
with request for a meeting with the foreign minisiters:) 

Article 1. Laying siege to legations of foreign ministers is a high offense against 
one of the important principles of international law. No country can possibly tolerate 
such a thing. China acknowledges her great fault in this respect and promises that 
it will never occur again. 

Art. 2. China admits her liability to pay indemnity for the various losses sus- 
tained on this occasion, and the powers will each appoint officials to examine and 
present all claims for final consultation and settlement. 

Art. 3. As to future trade and general international relations, each power should 
designate how these matters should be dealt with, whether the old treaties shall 
continue or new conventions be made slightly adding to the old treaties, or canceling 
old treaties and negotiating new ones. Any of these plans may be adopted, and 
when China has approved, further special regulations can be made in each case as 
required. 

Art. 4. This convention will be made by China with the combined powers to 
cover general principles which apply alike to all. This settled, the foreign ministers 
will remove the seals they caused to be placed in the various parts of the tsungli 
yamen, and then the yamen ministers may go to the yamen and attend to business 
as usual. And further, each power should arrange its own special affairs with China, 
so that separate treaties may be settled in due order. When the various items of 
indemnity are all arranged properly, or an understanding has been come to about 
them, then the powers will successively withdraw their troops. 

Art. 5. The troops sent to China by the powers were for the protection of the 
ministers, and for no other purpose, so when negotiations begin for treaties of peace 
each power should first declare an armistice. 

(Mr. Conger has merely acknowledged above, and awaits further 
instructions before replying. He states that the general negotiations 
should cover as many points as possible. The general treaty should 



UEPOKT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 345 

include, in addition to the above draft, (1) a complete statement of the 
purpose in landing troops in China; (2) the restoration of order and 
return of the Imperial Government, or proof of its potential exist- 
ence; (3) acknowledgment by the Imperial Government of liability 
for attacks on all foreigners as well as ministers; (4) indemnity for 
expenses and wrongs, as well as losses, some general plan for measur- 
ing and paying same, and effective guaranties for the future; (5) pro- 
vision for a defensible legation settlement, and legation and railroad 
guards; (6) the substitution of a minister for foreign affairs instead of 
tsungli }^amen; (7) Chinese capital to be a treaty port; (8) adequate 
punishment of leaders and abettors of crimes against legations and 
foreigners.) 



Mr. Hay to Mr. Conger. 

[Telegram.— Paraphrase.] 

Washington, October 19, 1900. 

(Mr. Hay acknowledges Mr. Conger's telegram of the 16th instant 
and states that the Chinese propositions are, in the main, acceptable 
to us, with the incorporation of his suggestions and of points herein- 
after expressed. If Mr. Conger's seventh suggestion means placing 
Peking on the footing of a treaty port it is commendable. 

The French proposition of terms, which was communicated to Mr. 
Hay on the 4th instant and replied to on the 10th, is probably now in 
Mr. Conger's possession. We accept the first article, taking the Chi- 
nese punishment edict as a starting point; additional names to be 
suggested by representatives of the powers when negotiations are 
begun. 

Second. It is not understood that interdiction of importation of 
arms is to be permanent; its duration and regulation proper subject 
of discussion. 

Third. All the powers desire equitable indemnity, intention of acqui- 
sition of territory being positively disclaimed by all. We would favor 
Russian suggestion to remit the question to The Hague arbitration 
court in case of a protracted disagreement as to amount of indemnity. 

Fourth. While now maintaining precautionary legation guards, the 
United States is unable to make permanent engagement without legis- 
lative authorization. 

Fifth. As lo dismantling Taku forts, the President reserves opinion 
pending further information in regard to the situation in China. 

Sixth. We can not commit ourselves to participation in military 
occupation of the road from Tientsin. It would require legislation, 
but it is desirable that assurance be obtained from China by the pow- 
ers of the right to guard legations and to have unrestricted access 
when required. 

We are advised that the French proposition has been acquiesced in 
by all the powers, with more or less reservations, which, like ours, are 
not calculated to embarrass negotiations. French note received the 
17th instant urges that the powers agree to show to China their readi- 
ness to negotiate by communicating, without prejudice to discussion 
of the points reserved as above, the French propositions, either sev- 
erally or through the dean of the diplomatic corps. Mr. Conger will 



346 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 

confer with his colleagues with a view to doing this. ■ We are anxious 
to have the negotiations begin as soon as we and the other powers are 
satisfied of the Emperor's ability and power to deal justly and sternly 
with the responsible offenders, and the President so replied to an appeal 
of the Emperor communicated by telegraph. 

During the negotiations no opportunity to safeguard the principle 
of impartial trade, to which all the powers are pledged, should be 
lost. * * *) 



Mr. Conger to Mr. Hay. 

[Telegram.— Paraphrase.] 

Peking, October 26, 1900. 

(Mr. Conger reports the unanimous agreement of the diplomatic 
corps to demand, as Article I in treaty, as an ultimatum, the death of 
the nine persons named in the decree referred to in his telegram of 
October 3, adding Tung Fu-hsiang and Yii Hsien, and designating 
others for commensurate punishment when discovered. Asks if 
Department approves; he advises it. 

Has made protest against removal of the Yangtze viceroys or the 
appointment of reactionary officials.) 



Mr. Hay to Mr. Conger. 

[Telegram —Paraphrase. ] 

Washington, October <29, 1900. 
(Mr. Hay acknowledges Mr. Conger's telegram of the 26th instant. 
The President thinks that before submitting the proposed ultimatum, 
therein referred to, the Chinese Government should be advised that 
the ministers are in possession of indubitable evidence of the guilt of 
the nine persons named in the edict and others, and it should be 
ascertained from that Government what punishment it proposes to 
inflict upon them. Should such punishment not be adequate, further 
action to secure compliance with just demands can be considered and 
determined.) 



Mr. Hay to Mr. Conger. 

[Telegram. — Paraphrased.] 

Washington, October 30, 1900. 
(Mr. Hay states that peremptory demand should be made for securing 
religious liberty and rights and full guaranties in the future for Chi- 
nese Christians not technically under our protection, as well as exem- 
plary punishment of those who have wronged them. The existing 
treaty entitles us to this. Should the Chinese Government be inclined 
to allow them compensation for their losses and sufferings, it should be 
accepted as an evidence of desire to make all due reparation, and Mr. 
Conger is directed to use every endeavor to promote such a result.) 



REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 347 

Mr. Conger to Mr. TIay. 

[Telegram. — Paraphrase.] 

Peking, November i, 1900. 

(Mr. Conger acknowledges receipt, on November 1, of Department's 
telegram of October 29, and reports that formal acknowledgment of 
the criminal responsibility of the eleven persons named has been made 
by the Chinese Government. His colleagues unanimously agree that 
their case would be greatly weakened and the negotiations would be 
jeopardized should the Chinese Government be asked the punishment 
it proposed to inflict. The leading foreign ministers have so far, in 
addition to the punishment of the leaders, unanimously agreed to the 
following: 

First. The prohibition, at the discretion of the powers, of the impor- 
tation of arms. 

Second. The suppression for two years of civil and military exami- 
nations in criminal districts and the decreeing of death punishment for 
future members of Boxer organization. 

Third. Indemnities for governments, societies, individual foreign- 
ers, and Chinese employed by foreigners. 

Fourth. Legations shall have the right to put legation quarters in a 
state of defense and to establish permanent guards, and to occupy cer- 
tain points to assure free communication between the capital and the 
sea. 

Fifth. The destruction of Taku and other forts which might inter- 
fere with such communication. 

Sixth. The substitution for the Tsungli Yamen of minister for for- 
eign affairs. 

Seventh. Court ceremonials similar to those in European countries. 

Other questions are still under discussion. When ministers shall 
have agreed they intend to meet the Chinese plenipotentiaries and pre- 
sent the conditions as a whole. 

Asks if Department approves.) 



Mr. Conger to Mr. Hay. 

[Tel egram . —Paraphrase . J 

Peking, November tf, 1900. 

(Mr. Conger reports that the ministers have all agreed that provi- 
sions for suitable reparation for the murder of Baron von Ketteler 
should be made in the general treaty. The following is agreed to by 
all except Russian and French ministers: 

First. The Chinese Government should undertake to negotiate here- 
after, on lines which it may seem convenient for the foreign powers to 
propose, for the requisite amendment of commercial treaties and other 
subjects relating to commerce and navigation. 

Second. The Chinese Government shall undertake such financial 
measures to guarantee the payment of an indemnity and the interest on 
Government loans as may be indicated by the foreign powers. 

Third. As a further guaranty against future troubles an Imperial 
edict shall be issued and published everywhere in the Empire, making 



348 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 

all viccroyal, provincial, and local officials responsible for order in 
their respective jurisdictions; and whenever an tiforeign disturbances or 
any other infraction of treaties occur therein, which are not immediately 
suppressed and the responsible parties punished, the said official shall 
at once be removed and prohibited forever thereafter from holding 
office or receiving official honors. 

Mr. Conger states that all of these points are very important, and 
believes that, even if a separate convention with the powers agreeing 
should be necessary, they should be insisted upon.) 



Mr. Hay to Mr. Conger. 

[Telegram.— Pharaphrase.] 

Washington, November 9, 1900. 

(Mr. Hay, replying to Mr. Conger's telegram of the 1st instant, 
states that the seven proposed conditions are approved by the Presi- 
dent, who thinks dismantling Taku forts would be preferable to their 
destruction, and suggests consultation on this point with military 
commander. 

Replying to Mr. Conger's telegram of the 6th instant, Mr. Hay 
states that the first and second conditions, especially the second, 
appear to be practical safeguards for the future. If the powers can 
not agree on the first condition, this Government would reserve the 
right to negotiate in that sense with China, independently but coin- 
cidentally with the powers entertaining the same view. The third 
condition would appear to devolve responsibility too completely on 
the local authorities. The President is of the opinion that the primary 
responsibility of the Chinese Government should be emphasized, the 
suggested accountability and provisions for punishment of delinquent 
local authorities being merely one phase of the enforcement of the 
supreme obligation to repress, punish, and make adequate reparation 
for treaty infractions. The President regards as of greatest impor- 
tance prompt agreement upon bases of settlement, and would regret if 
divergence upon essential points should necessitate separate conven- 
tion with powers agreeing upon such points, as is intimated by Mr. 
Conger. 

The moral effect of unanimous concert can hardly be overestimated.) 



Mr. Hay to Mr. Conger. 

[Telegram. — Paraphrase.] 

Washington, November P, 1900. 

(Mr. Hay states that Department's instructions of October 29 still 
express the views of the President. 

Formal acknowledgment of responsibility of the eleven persons 
named having been made by the Chinese Government, Mr. Conger is 
directed to insist upon their severe and adequate punishment, though 
the President does not undertake to determine what the punishment 
shall be in each case. It is important that the negotiations be not 
defeated nor greatly delayed.) 



KEPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 349 

Mr. Hay to Mr. Conger, 

[Telegram. — Paraphrase.] 

Washington, November 16, 1900. 

(Mr. Hay directs Mr. Conger to try to arrange before negotiations 
close, if possible, that Peking may be made as treaty port and that the 
Chinese minister for foreign affairs shall be required to speak some 
foreign language; to favor lump sum for indemnity, distribution 
among the powers to be subsequently arranged, possibly by arbitra- 
tion. Repeats suggestion as to posthumous honors to the three friendly 
Chinese statesmen. It would be advisable to provide against arbitrary 
execution, without trial, of high officers of state. 

Mr. Conger is to keep always in view and to urge in conference the 
consideration that impossible terms must not be asked, which would 
only result in the defeat of the purposes aimed at.) 



Mr. Conger to Mr. Hay, 

[Telegram.— Paraphrase.] 

Peking, November 16, 1900. 
(Mr. Conger reports the decapitation at Paotingf u of the provincial 
treasurer, a Tartar general, and a lieutenant-colonel, under sentence 
of military court, approved by field marshal.) 



Mr. Hay to Mr. Conger, 

[Telegram.— Paraphrase.] 

Washington, November 16, 1900. 
(Mr. Hay, replying to Mr. Conger's telegram of the 14th instant, 
states that we favor securing foreign rights at treaty ports by adequate 
foreign concession, either as an international settlement or separate 
for the interested nations; but forcible appropriation, under claim of 
conquest, conflicts with the declared purposes of the powers and dis- 
turbs their harmonious action. Mr. Conger's protest is approved. 
We think the matter should be conventionally adjusted as part of the 
general arrangement, in which the rights of the United States of 
America should be reserved to an impartial share.) 



Mr. Conger to Mr. Hay, 

[Telegram. — Paraphrase.] 

Peking, November 19, 1900. 
(Mr. Conger reports that by a new Imperial decree, dated November 
13, punishment of persons mentioned in Imperial decree of September 
25 is fixed. In every case the punishment is totally inadequate, and is 
considered as farcical by the diplomatic corps.) 



350 KEPOKT OF COMMISSIONEK TO CHINA. 

Mr. Hay to Mr. Conger, 

[Telegram —Paraphrase.] 

Washington, November W, 1900. 

(Mr. Hay states that the President is most solicitous that the pres- 
ent negotiations shall not fail, either through the presentation of 
demands with which it may be impossible for China to comply, or by 
reason of a lack of harmonious cooperation among the powers. The 
President, confiding in Mr. Conger's experience and wisdom, has left 
him large discretion as to details, and prefers still to follow that course. 
The President desires Mr. Conger, however, to consult with his col- 
leagues and to seriously consider whether the presentation of a list of 
high Chinese officials and the demand for their capital punishment, 
as an ultimatum, may not result in a failure of negotiations through 
confession by China of inability to carry out the death sentences. 
The United States Government, in common with the other powers, 
desires and mast exact the severe and exemplary punishment of those 
high officials whose crimes have shocked the civilized world, but the 
President thinks it would be most unfortunate if the powers, having 
presented an ultimatum to which China may possibly not be able to 
give effect, should be compelled either to withdraw their demands or 
to enforce them by a course of action which all deprecate and which 
would entail consequences impossible to foresee. 

Mr. Hay further states that similar considerations apply to the 
question as to the amount of indemnity to be demanded. The Presi- 
dent favors the exaction of a lump sum not beyond the limit of China 
to pay, to be hereafter equitably distributed among the interested 
powers. He directs Mr. Hay to repeat to Mr. Conger the instruc- 
tions heretofore frequently given, that, in view of the serious com- 
plications which may result from long delay, Mr. Conger use every 
endeavor to bring the negotiations to a speedy and satisfactory close.) 



Mr. Conger to Mr. Hay. 

[Telegram.— Paraphrase.] 

Peking, November M, 1900. 
(Mr. Conger refers to his telegram of the 6th November, and states 
that the Russian minister is still opposed to the second proposition, 
and that the German and English ministers have for the present instruc- 
tions not to sign the note without it. Mr. Conger deems it one of the 
most important demands. He asks instructions upon the suggestion 
in the last paragraph of his telegram of the 6th, Mr. Hay's telegram 
of the 9th not covering that point. The Department's reply will be 
anxiously awaited.) 

Mr. Conger to Mr. Hay. 

[Telegram.— Paraphrase.] 

Peking, November 83, 1900. 
(Mr. Conger acknowledges the receipt of Mr. Hay's telegram of 
the 20th, and reports that all his colleagues are of the opinion that 
capital punishment can be inflicted upon the persons named, with tho 



REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 351 

exception possibly of Tung Fu-hsiang, whose services may be needed 
to punish others. Nevertheless, his colleagues insist on including his 
name in the demand, but are disposed to modify it as regards that 
officer after the presentation of the demand to the Chinese plenipo- 
tentiaries and upon a satisfactory demonstration b} r the Chinese Gov- 
ernment of its inability to carry out the sentence in his case. Mr. 
Conger adds that he will do everything possible for a speedy conclu- 
sion of the negotiations.) 



Mr. Hay to Mr. Conger, 

[Telegram.— Paraphrase.] 

Washington, November 23, 1900. 
(Mr. Hay answers Mr. Conger's telegram of the 21st, stating that 
the United States Government favors the second proposition in Mr. 
Conger's telegram of the 6th, but does not wish to embarrass the gen- 
eral negotiations by insisting upon it. He states that if Mr. Conger 
means by the suggestion in the last paragraph of his telegram of the 
6th the contingency of separate conventions between China and the 
powers agreeing to the three conditions, this Government thinks for 
China to suppose such separate treaties possible might seriously 
obstruct the general convention upon points concerning which all the 
powers are agreed. He adds that a general convention is of the first 
importance, and that when concluded each power has, of course, liberty 
to negotiate upon any points not therein expressed.) 



Mr. Conger to Mr. Hay. 

[Telegram.— Paraphrase.] 

Peking, November %, 1900. 
(Mr. Conger reports the unanimous agreement of all the ministers to 
the demands enumerated in his telegrams of October 26, November 1, 
6, 21. He refers to his telegram of the 23d, and adds that the minis- 
ters now only wait for some of their number to receive instructions to 
sign the joint note.) 



Mr. Hay to Mr. Conger. 

[Telegram. — Paraphrase.] 

Washington, November 27, 1900. 
(Mr. Hay acknowledges Mr. Conger's last telegram and states that 
he has received fuller reports of the conferences from the Japanese 
minister. The President disapproves the word "irrevocable," as 
apparently equivalent to the ultimatum to which he understands all the 
powers are opposed. The President gravely questions whether it will 
be possible to have the death sentences executed in all cases. He also 
doubts the advisability of the clause prohibiting the importation of 



352 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 

materials which enter into manufacture of munitions of war. Mr. 
Conger is instructed to present the foregoing views to his colleagues 
and, after urging them, to advise the Department of the result. He 
is directed to submit for the President's consideration, before signing, 
copy of the identical note.) 



Mr. Conger to Mr. Bay, 

[Telegram .—Partly paraphrased.] 

Peking, December 4, 1900. 
(Mr. Conger states that he communicates below the full text of the 
note as amended, and that day finally agreed upon for the sake of 
immediate and unanimous action. He adds that his colleagues will 
agree to the present wording if the United States Government insists, 
although the majority of them prefer to retain the word "irrevocable." 
As any further changes or delays will jeopardize negotiations, he asks 
prompt reply, and, if possible, instructions to sign.) 

During the months of May, June, July, and August of the present year serious dis- 
turbances broke out in the northern provinces of China, and crimes unprecedented 
in human history — crimes against the law of nations, against the laws of humanity, 
and against civilization — were committed under peculiarly odious circumstances. The 
principal of these crimes were the following: 

First. On the 20th June, His Excellency Baron von Ketteler, German minister, 
proceeding to the Tsungli yamen, was murdered while in the exercise of his official 
duties by soldiers of the regular army acting under orders of their chiefs. 

Second. The same day the foreign legations were attacked and besieged; these 
attacks continued without intermission until the 14th August, on which date the 
arrival of foreign troops put an end to them. These attacks were made by regular 
troops who joined the Boxers and who obeyed orders of the court emanating from 
the Imperial palace. At the same time the Chinese Government officially declared 
by its representatives abroad that it guaranteed the security of the legations. 

Third. The 11th June Mr. Sugiyama, chancellor of the legation of Japan, in the 
discharge of an official mission, was killed by regulars at the gates of the city. At 
Peking and in several provinces foreigners were murdered, tortured, or attacked by 
Boxers and regular troops, and only owed their safety to their determined resistance. 
Their establishments were pillaged and destroyed. 

Fourth. Foreign cemeteries, at Peking especially, were desecrated, the graves 
opened, the remains scattered abroad. These events led the foreign powers to send 
their troops to China in order to protect the lives of their representatives and their 
nationals and to restore order. During their march to Peking the allied forces met 
with the resistance of the Chinese armies and had to overcome it by force. China 
having recognized her responsibility, expressed her regrets, and manifested the desire 
to see an end put to the situation created by the disturbances referred to, the powers 
have decided to accede to her request on the conditions enumerated below, which 
they deem absolutely indispensable to expiate the crimes committed and to prevent 
their recurrence! 

(a) Dispatch to Berlin of an extraordinary mission, headed by an Imperial prince, 
to express the regrets of His Majesty the Emperor of China" and of the Chinese 
Government for the murder of his excellency the late Baron von Ketteler, German 
minister. 

(6) Erection on the place where the murder was committed of a commemorative 
monument, suitable to the rank of the deceased, bearing an inscription in the Latin, 
German, and Chinese languages expressing the regrets of the Emperor of China for 
the murder. 

(c) The severest punishment for the persons designated in the imperial decree 
of September 25, 1900, and for those whom the representatives of the powers shall 
subsequently designate. 

(d) Suspension'of all official examinations for five years in all the towns where 
foreigners have been massacred or have been subjected to cruel treatment. 

Honorable reparation shall be made by the Chinese Government to the Japanese 
Government for the murder of Mr. Sugiyama, chancellor of the Japanese legation. _ 
An expiatory monument shall be erected by the Imperial Chinese Government in 



EEPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 353 

each of the foreign or international cemeteries which have been desecrated and in 
which the graves have been destroyed. 

Maintenance, under conditions to be settled between the powers, of the prohibition 
of the importation of arms, as well as of material used exclusively for the manufactur- 
ing of arms and ammunition. 

Equitable indemnities for governments, societies, companies, and individuals, as 
well as for the Chinese who have suffered in person or property in consequence of 
their being in the service of foreigners. China shall adopt financial measures accept- 
able to the powers for the purpose of guaranteeing the payment of said indemnities 
and the interest and amortization of the loans. 

Right for each power to maintain a permanent guard for its legation and to put the 
legation quarter in a defensible condition. Chinese shall not have the right to reside 
in this quarter. 

The Taku and other forts which might impede free communication between Peking 
and the sea shall be razed. 

Right of military occupation of certain points, to be determined by an understand- 
ing between the powers, for keeping open communication between the capital and 
the sea. 

■ The Chinese Government shall cause to be published during two years in all sub- 
prefectures an Imperial decree embodying perpetual prohibition, under pain of death, 
of membership in any antiforeign society, enumeration of the punishments which 
shall have been inflicted on the guilty, together with the suspension of all official 
examinations in the towns where foreigners have been murdered or have been sub- 
jected to cruel treatment. 

An Imperial decree shall be issued and published everywhere in the Empire 
declaring that ail governors-general, governors, and provincial or local officials shall 
be responsible for order in their respective jurisdictions, and that whenever fresh 
antiforeign disturbances or any other treaty infractions occur which are not forth- 
with suppressed and the guilty persons punished, they, the said officials, shall be 
immediately removed from office and forever prohibited from holding any office or 
honors. 

The Chinese Government will undertake to negotiate the amendments to the trea- 
ties of commerce and navigation considered useful by the powers, and upon other 
subjects connected with commercial relations, with the object of facilitating them. 

The Chinese Government shall undertake to reform the office of foreign affairs, 
and to modify the court ceremonial relative to the reception of foreign representa- 
tives in the manner which the powers shall indicate. 



Mr. Hay to Mr. Conger. 

[Telegram.] 

Washington, December 5, 1900. 
Sign joint note as transmitted. President sends cordial congrat- 
ulations. 

Hay. 



Mr. Conger to Mr. Hay. 

[Telegram. — Partly paraphrased.] 

Peking, December 16, 1900. 
(Mr. Conger reports that at the last moment, when the British min- 
ister believed himself authorized to sign the note and had agreed to it, 
but awaited formal authorization, his Government objects to the word 
u irrevocable " as committing the powers to possible ulterior opera- 
tions, the scope of which is not defined, and Great Britain proposes to 
add at the end of the conditions the words: 

Until the Chinese Government has complied with the above conditions to the satis- 
faction of the powers the undersigned can hold out no expectation that the occupa- 
tion of Peking and the province of Chihli by the several forces can be brought to a 
conclusion. 

S. Doc. 67 23 



354 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER • TO CHINA. 

Mr. Conger thinks the above words, instead of limiting the scope 
of ulterior operations, these words appear to commit the powers still 
more extensively. He adds that the German and Russian ministers 
agree to the addition, that others will probably do so, and asks if he 
shall accept.) 



Mr. Hay to Mr. Conger. 

[Telegram.— Paraphrase.] 

Washington, December 17, 1900. 

(Acknowledging Mr. Conger's telegram of the 16th, Mr. Hay refers 
to the text of the note telegraphed on December 4 as having been 
agreed upon, which omitted "irrevocable," and states that Mr. Conger 
was telegraphed on the 5th to ""Sign joint note as transmitted." Mr. 
Hay does not understand how "irrevocable " comes to be restored with- 
out the Department's knowledge. The United States Government 
objects to it, and has done so from the beginning. 

The additional amendment proposed bj Great Britain is also objec- 
tionable, since the United States can not engage to participate in an 
indefinite occupation of Peking and Chihli b}^ the general forces. This 
objection is individual on the part of the United States Government. 
Mr. Conger is instructed that if he finds general concurrence in the 
British amendment, he need not standout against it, but in yielding he 
should make it clear that it does not bind the United States to con- 
tinue conjoint military operations. But the Department thinks earnest 
endeavor should be made for acquiescence in the agreed draft tele- 
graphed December 4. ) 



Mr. Conger to Mr. Hay. 

[Tel egram . — Paraphrase. ] 

Peking, December 19, 1900. 
(Mr. Conger replies to Mr. Hay's telegram of the 17th, and states 
that in his telegram of the 4th he said: "The majority of them prefer 
to retain the word ' irrevocable,' and that the Department's answer, as 
received, reads: 'Sign joint note as majorities.^' He accordingly 
informed his colleagues, who were gratified at concession to their views. 
As all have notified their governments that "irrevocable" was to be 
retained, he doubts whether they will again agree to omit it. He thinks 
"irrevocable" not so objectionable since the death penalty is omitted. 
Says he will, however, insist on its omission, but asks if he shall yield 
should final agreement depend upon his so doing.) 



Mr. Hay to Mr. Conger. 

[Telegram.] 

Washington, December 19, 1900. 

Insist upon omission of " irrevocable." 

Hay. 



REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 355 

Mr. Conger to Mr. Hay. 

[Telegram . — Pa raph rase . ] 

Peking, December 20. 
(Mr. Conger acknowledges the receipt of the Department's instruc- 
tions of December 19, just as the ministers were about to sign the 
joint note. Found it impossible to secure the omission of the word 
"irrevocable" that day, and reports that it can only be done, if at all, 
b} T opening the whole question for other and objectionable changes. 
He is confident it will be very prejudicial to the negotiations if he is 
not permitted to sign now, and thinks it will never be possible to 
secure unanimit} T on another note with so few objections as this one 
has. He awaits the Department's definite instructions.) 



Mr. Conger to Mr. Hay. 

[Telegram.— Paraphrase.] 

Peking, December 20, 1900. 
(Mr. Conger reports that the ministers have agreed to and will sign 
that day the joint note as transmitted December 4, inserting the word 
"irrevocable" and adding the British amendment, with the definite 
understanding that the amendment commits no 'power to any joint 
militar}^ operations. He has felt obliged to at once acquiesce without 
awaiting Department's reply to his telegram of the 19th or else make 
his Government responsible for indefinite delay and possible failure of 
negotiations. He hopes the Department will approve his action.) 



Mr. Hay to Mr. Conger. 

[Telegram.— Paraphrase.] 

Washington, December 21. 
(As Mr. Conger has felt obliged to acquiesce in the note retaining 
the word "irrevocable," and considering his statement that if he does 
not sign it will probably result in failure of negotiations, Mr. Hay 
authorizes him to sign after again stating the views of this Govern- 
ment.) 



Mr. Conger to Mr. Hay. 

[Telegram.— Paraphrase.] 



Peking, December 22, 1900. 
(Mr. Conger acknowledges the Department's telegram of the 21st, 
and reports that he had signed the note that day (22d) after again stat 
ing the Department's views. He adds that the note will be handed on 
the 24th to Chinese plenipotentiaries.) 



356 EEPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA.. 

Mr. Conger to Mr. Hay. 

[Tel egram . —Paraphrase .] 

Peking, December &}, 1900. 
(Mr. Conger reports that the first formal meeting was had with 
Prince Ching this date. His and Li's full powers were presented. 
The joint note was placed in his hands. Li was not present, being 
slightly indisposed.) 

Mr. Hay to Mr. Conger. 

[Telegram.— Paraphrase.] 

Washington, December 29, 1900. 

(Mr. Hay instructs Mr. Conger to keep in mind at this stage the fol- 
lowing points, heretofore partly indicated, and to use all his endeavors 
to comprise them in settlement: 

First. Increased intercourse with Chinese Empire under conditions 
no less beneficial to China than to foreign nations, to the end that 
peace and order may be perpetuated by building up the prosperity of 
China. 

Second. A lump indemnity, to be kept within as moderate limits as 
possible, in order to assure China's ability to pay. This point should 
receive Mr. Conger's most earnest attention. In the distribution of 
the indemnity the United States to have just pro rata share based on 
losses and magnitude of interests. 

Third. Reorganization of the Chinese foreign office on modern lines. 
It would be highly desirable to have a minister of foreign affairs 
who shall speak one European language at least; and who should be 
in a position to receive his orders from the Emperor. 

Fourth. Peking to be on the footing of a treaty port with interna- 
tional concessions, of which legation compound capable of defense shall 
form part.) 

Mr. Conger to Mr. Hay. 

[Telegram . — Paraphrase . ] 

Peking, December 30, 1900. 
(Mr. Conger reports that the Chinese plenipotentiaries have notified 
the ministers that the Emperor decrees acceptance of the demands of 
the powers as a whole and requests further conference. The plenipo- 
tentiaries also ask that military excursions in the interior cease. Mr. 
Conger thinks they should cease at once.) 



Mr. Hay to Mr. Conger. 

[Telegram. — Paraphrase.] 



Washington, December SI, 1900. 
(Mr. Hay states that Mr. Conger's opinion that expeditions should 
cease is shared by the President, and instructs him to endeavor also to 
have the forts disarmed instead of destroyed.) 



REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 357 

Mr. Conger to Mr. Hay. 

[Telegram.— Paraphrase.] 

Peking, January 1, 1901. 

(Mr. Conger reports that, having accepted our demands, the Chinese 
Government can forthwith execute all of them except six and eleven 
of joint note, which will be most difficult to arrange there, and can be 
settled more speedily and satisfactorily in Europe or America. Asks 
if the other Governments can not be consulted and such conference 
arranged for an early date. 

Refers to Mr. Rockhill's telegram 1 of the 20th ultimo on the same 
subject.) 



Mr. Hay to Mr. Conger. 

[Telegram. — Paraphrase.] 

Washington, January 3. 1901. 

(Mr. Hay states that the suggestion contained in Mr. Conger's tele- 
gram of the 1st instant had been under consideration here for some 
time. That, China having yielded to joint demands, it is now tiniely 
to act upon the suggestion which it is thought may already have been 
the occasion of a comparison of views among Mr. Conger's colleagues. 

The President's proposal to transfer treaty and indemnity negotia- 
tions to Washington or Europe has been communicated to the other 
powers by telegraph.) 



Mr. Conger to Mr. Hay. 

[Telegram. — Paraphrase.] 

Peking, January 7, 1901. 
(Mr. Conger reports that the Emperor, acting upon memorial from 
Viceroy Chang Chih-tung, has, by decree, ordered plenipotentiaries 
not to formally sign the protocol embodying our demands and the 
decree accepting them. This is evidently done in the hope of secur- 
ing better terms. Mr. Conger considers the demands as having been 
already- accepted by a former decree transmitted to the ministers by 
the Chinese plenipotentiaries and shall so insist on it. Protest against 
the last decree has been telegraphed b}^ Prince Ching and Earl Li.) 



Mr. Hay to Mr. Conger. 

[Telegram.— Paraphrase . ] 

Washington, January #, 1901. 
(Mr. Hay directs Mr. Conger to insist upon signature of protocol, 
and approves his action respecting opposition to signing.) 

1 Not printed. 



358 REPOKT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 

Mr. Hay to Mr. Conger. 

[Telegram.— Paraphrase.] 

Washington, January 10, 1901. 
(Mr. Hay states that our suggestion regarding negotiations, indem- 
nity, and commercial treaties, being opposed by Germany and Japan, 
will not be pressed. We are asking that representatives of other 
powers be instructed by their Governments to exert utmost efforts to 
conclude negotiations in Peking.) 



Mr. Conger to Mr. May. 

[Telegram.— Paraphrase.] 

Peking, January 12, 1901. 
(Mr. Conger reports that orders to sign protocol have been issued 
to the Chinese plenipotentiaries.) 



Mr. Conger to Mr. Hay. 

[Telegram.— Paraphrase.] 

Peking, January IS, 1901. 
(Mr. Conger acknowledges Department's telegram of the 10th 
instant, and requests instructions concerning indemnities, an approxi- 
mate estimate of war expenditures, and wishes as to revision of the 
treaties.) 

Mr. Conger to Mr. Hay. 

[Telegram. — Paraphrase.] 

Peking, January 16, 1901. 
(Mr. Conger reports that the protocol has been signed and delivered 
by the Chinese plenipotentiaries.) 



Mr. Conger to Mr. Hay. 

[Telegram .—Paraphrase . ] 

Peking, January 23, 1901: 
(Mr. Conger states that representatives of the powers will reply to 
inquiries of Chinese plenipotentiaries as to withdrawal of troops from 
Peking, places for military occupation between the capital and the 
sea, numbers of legation guards, etc.; that these questions must be 
dependent upon the willingness and promptness of the Chinese Gov- 
ernment in executing our demands, which must not only be accepted 
but executed. 

The foreign ministers do not agree upon persons to be specified for 
death penalty. Under instructions from his Government, the British 



KEPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 359 

minister insists upon death penalty for all mentioned in the decree, 
adding Tung Fu-hsiang and Yii Hsien. Believing the death penalty 
impossible for Tuan, Lan, and Tung, the United States, Russian, and 
Japanese ministers will not demand it. 

Mr. Conger is of the opinion that if the British minister joins them 
the others will do so.) 



Mr. Hay to Mr. Conger. 

[Telegram.— Paraphrase.] 

Washington, January 26, 1901. 
(Mr. Hay approves Mr. Conger's attitude on both points as reported 
in his telegram of the 23d instant.) 



Mr. Hay to Mr. Conger. 

[Telegram. — Paraphrase.] 

Washington, January 29, 1901. 

(Mr. Hay directs Mr. Conger to use his utmost endeavor, first, to 
have a lump sum agreed upon as indemnity by the ministers; second, 
to have this sum made as reasonable as possible. According to the 
best information obtainable here the Chinese Government can not pos- 
sibly pay more than $150,000,000. This will probably necessitate a 
certain scaling down of the demands of the different powers. Third, 
Mr. Conger will insist, when the lump sum is agreed upon and 
granted, that a fair proportionate share of it be allotted to the United 
States, its equitable distribution to the claimants to be undertaken by 
the United States Government. Fourth, he will propose, in case of 
protracted disagreement over the indemnity, that the matter be sub- 
mitted to arbitration, as provided by The Hague rules. 

Our losses and disbursements amount to about $25,000,000. 

An instruction will be sent very soon as to treaties.) 



Mr. Conger to Mr. Hay. 

[Telegram.— Paraphrase.] 

Peking, January SO, 1901. 

(Mr. Conger reports that the powers will certainly establish perma- 
nent legation guards and militarily occupy points between Peking and 
the sea until final settlement. The scheme submitted by Waldersee, 
which contemplates an international force of from 10,000 to 12,000 
men, is likely to meet general approval. Prestige and interests of the 
United States demand that they should participate. 

Mr. Conger asks what reply he shall make.) 



360 BEPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 

Mr. Hay to Mr. Conger. 

[Telegram. — Paraphrase.] 

Washington, February 5, 1901. 
(Mr. Hay directs Mr. Conger, in repty to his telegram of the 30th 
ultimo, to inform his colleagues that the American troops will, until 
further notice, continue to occup} r the Temple of Agriculture grounds 
and inclosure and such other points at Peking, Tientsin, and Taku as 
are now in their possession or may be hereafter needed for their quar- 
ters and supplies or for the protection of American interests. Two 
troops of cavahy will be designated by the War Department for that 
purpose and for legation guard at Peking, and two companies of 
infantry for station at Tientsin and Taku. It is not the intention of this 
Government to engage in military operations, except in conformity 
with our original purpose for the defense of the legation and the 
protection of American interests.) 



Mr. Conger to Mr. Hay. 

[Telegram.— Paraphrase.] 

Peking, February 6, 1901. 
(Mr. Conger reports that a conference was held on the 5th instant 
b} r the foreign ministers with the Chinese plenipotentiaries, who pre- 
sented the difficulties in the way of executing Prince Tuan, Duke Lan, 
and Tung Fu-hsiang. The} T promise death of Chuang and Yu Hsien, 
but urge leniency for the others, and beg that they and the court be 
not placed in too difficult a position. Subsequently the foreign min- 
isters agreed to demand capital sentence, to be immediately commuted 
to exile, for Tuan and Lan, and death penalty for the others mentioned 
in the decree, adding Yii Hsien, Chi Hsiu, and Hsu Cheng-yu, the 
two latter being now prisoners of the Japanese in Peking. Post- 
humous honors for the members of the Tsungli Yamen, executed last 
summer, are also to be demanded.) 



Mr. Conger to Mr. Hay. 

[Telegram.— Paraphrase.] 

Peking, February 17, 1901. 
(Mr. Conger reports that an agreement has been arrived at by all the 
ministers to ask their Governments, first: If there is an understanding 
between the powers as to the manner of fixing amount of war indem- 
nities to be demanded from China. Second: Will this be done by the 
Governments in accordance with uniform rules agreed upon between 
them, or will each reserve the right to make up separate demand? 
Third: Will the killing and wounding, during the siege, of the lega- 
tion guards be treated differently from the killing or wounding of other 
soldiers?) 



REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 361 

Mr. Conger to Mr. Hay. 

[Telegram.— Paraphrase] 

Peking. February 17, 1901. 
(Mr. Conger reports the receipt on the 16th instant of an unsatisfac- 
tory edict decreeing exile for Tuan and Lan without capital sentence, 
suicide for Chuang, death for Yi'i Hsien, degradation and imprison- 
ment for Chao Shu-chiao and Ying Nien, and undetermined punishment 
for Chi Hsiu and Hsu Cheng-yu.) 



Mr. Conger to Mr. Hay. 

[Telegram. — Paraphrase.] 

Peking, February 18, 1901. 
(Mr. Conger refers to Waldersee's order as telegraphed on the 16th 
instant Iry Chaffee to the Secretary of War, and reports that he has 
this da} T informed his colleagues that, joint negotiations being in prog- 
ress and military operations limited by terms of joint note to territory 
now occupied, he thinks no offensive operations should be undertaken 
by the forces of one or more of the signatory powers unless the 
Governments of all agree. He restated the position of the United 
States as not being committed to any further military operations, and 
stated that those now contemplated might jeopardize negotiations, 
threaten concert, and disturb harmony. His colleagues replied that 
the military is under direct control of the respective Governments.) 



Mr. Conger to Mr. Hay. 

[Telegram. — Paraphrase.] 

Peking, February 19, 1901. 
(Mr. Conger reports that the ministers have reiterated their demand 
for punishments reported in his telegram of the 6th instant.) 



Mr. Hay to Mr. Conger. 

[Telegram. — Paraphrase.] 

Washington, February 19, 1901. 
(Mr. Hay states that Mr. Conger's action in regard to Waldersee's 
order is approved by the President, and his telegram of the 18th 
instant has been communicated to the ambassadors of the United 
States at foreign courts.) 

Mr. Hay to Mr. Conger. 

[Telegram.— Paraphrase.] 

Washington, February 19, 1901. 
(Mr. Hay states that it seems to this Government that the presenta- 
tion to China of itemized bills by each of the powers, to be paid to 



362 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 

them separately, is wholly impracticable. Should the approximate 
estimates of the powers amount to a total beyond the ability of China 
to pay, the sum should be cut down to a reasonable figure, bat should 
always be treated in the negotiations as a lump sum. Mr. Conger is 
instructed to endeavor to make it as moderate as possible; but when 
the amount is agreed upon he will insist upon an equitable portion for 
the United States. Should an agreement for distribution seem imprac- 
ticable at Peking without great delay, he is to suggest Hague arbi- 
tration. 

Second. The legation guards killed or wounded during the siege 
should be on the same footing as civilians killed or wounded for whom 
indemnity is claimed. This point will be taken care of by each power 
in distributing its share of the lump indemnity.) 



Mr. Hay to Mr. Conger. 

[Telegram.— Paraphrase.] 

Washington, February 19, 1901. 
(Mr. Hay acknowledges Mr. Conger's telegram of the 17th instant 
in regard to punishments. The decree is not thought by the President 
to be unsatisfactory. Three of the principal culprits are already dead. 
By the decree several of high rank are to be put to death; two of the 
highest rank are to be degraded and exiled, and all the rest severely 
punished. The President entertains the opinion that, with the fulfill- 
ment of these sentences, and considering the material chastisement 
already inflicted upon the Chinese and their cities, the question of 
punishment should be regarded by the powers as closed, and other 
matters should be taken up.) 



Mr. Conger to Mr. Hay. 

[Telegram. — Paraphrase.] 

Peking, February W, 1901. 
(Mr. Conger reports that the ministers are informed by the Chinese 
plenipotentiaries that all the punishments named in his telegram of 
February 6 are agreed to by the Emperor.) 



Mr. Conger to Mr. Hay. 

[Telegram. — Paraphrase.] 

Peking, February 21, 1901. 

(Mr. Conger acknowledges receipt of Department's telegram of the 
19th instant in regard to punishments, and reports that a list of local 
and provincial officials for whom punishment is to be demanded is now 
being prepared b}^ the ministers. 

Many of these officials were present and aided in or were directly 
responsible for the fiendish massacre of the missionaries at interior 
points. 

Asks if he is to oppose any further punishments.) 



REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA 363 

Mr. Hay to Mr. Conger. 

[Telegram . — Paraphrase.] 

Washington, February %3, 1901. 
(Mr. Hay states that it is difficult at this distance to fully appreciate 
all the circumstances which induce the ministers to insist upon further 
prosecutions, and that the President, while disinclined to place Mr. 
Conger in an attitude of opposition to his colleagues, instructs him to 
make clear to them the President's earnest desire for peace, the cessa- 
tion of bloodshed, and the resumption of normal relations.) 



Mr. Conger to Mr. Hay. 

[Telegram. — Paraphrase.] 

Peking, February &£, 1901. 
(Mr. Conger reports the receipt of a satisfactory edict decreeing the 
punishments demanded.) 



Mr. Conger to Mr. Hay. 

[Telegram. — Paraphrase.] 

Peking, February 25, 1901. 
(Mr. Conger reports that a satisfactory decree has been issued com- 
plying, as far as possible for the present, with article 10 of the 
demands.) 



Mr. Hay to Mr. BockhilL 

[Telegram.] 

Washington, March 1, 1901. 
The following memorandum, which was handed to the Chinese min- 
ister on February 19, is transmitted to you for your information and 
guidance. It has been communicated to the Governments of the 
powers that preservation of the territorial integrit}^ of China having 
been recognized by all the powers now engaged in joint negotiations 
concerning the injuries recently inflicted upon their ministers and 
nationals by certain officials of the Chinese Empire, it is evidently 
advantageous to China to continue the present international under- 
standing upon this subject. It would therefore be unwise and dan- 
gerous in the extreme for China to make any arrangement or to 
consider any proposition of a private nature involving the surrender 
of territory or financial obligations by convention with any particular 
power, and the Government of the United States, aiming solely at the 
preservation of China from the danger indicated and the conservation 
of the largest and most beneficial relations between the Empire and 
other countries, in accordance with the principle set forth in its circu- 



364 REPOKT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 

lar note of July 3, 1900, and in a purely friendly spirit toward the 
Chinese Empire and all the powers now interested in the negotiations, 
desires to impress its sense of the impropriety, inexpediency, and even 
extreme danger to the interests of China of considering an}^ private 
territorial or financial arrangement, at least without the full knowl- 
edge and approval of all the powers now engaged in negotiations. 

Hay. 



Mr. EocJchill to Mr. Hay. 



[Telegram. — Paraphrase.] 



Peking, March 0, 1901. 



(Mr. Rockhill refers to the Joint Note, article 5, and asks what mate- 
rial is used exclusively in the manufacture of arms and ammunition, and 
calls attention to the fact that ammunition is not prohibited. * * * ) 



Mr. Rockhill to Mr. Hay. 

[Telegram, —Paraphrase . ] 

Peking, March 1<2, 1901. 
(Mr. Rockhill reports that, under instructions, the Russian minister 
refuses to take part any further in discussion of punishments. De- 
mand for 10 capital punishments and about 90 minor is insisted upon 
by all the other foreign representatives. Mr. Rockhill has several 
times stated the view contained in Department's telegrams of Febru- 
ary 19 and 23. While asking no capital punishments, he will, unless 
otherwise instructed, continue to vote with the majority. Questions 
of indemnities, prohibition of importation of arms, etc., are under 
discussion at present. * * * ) 



Mr. Rockhill to Mr. Hay. 

[Telegram.— Paraphrase.] 

Peking, March 15, 1901. 

(Mr. Rockhill reports that rules for estimating all private claims for 
losses were adopted on the 14th instant by the diplomatic corps, sub- 
ject to approval by their Governments. The principal points are as 
follows: 

First. Only those claims which result immediately and directly from 
the antiforeign movement of 1900 are allowable. 

Second. Proof of loss must be made to the satisfaction of claimants' 
diplomatic representative and proved conformably to the laws and 
usages of his country. 

Third. After examining claims made by his nationals, each of the 
diplomatic representatives shall make an approximate estimate of the 
total, and the grand total will be asked in a lump sum of China, with- 
out any details or explanations. Nothing unusual except allowing 
claims for objects lost or disappeared during the troubles, which cov- 



REPOET OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 365 

ers looting of foreigners by foreigners. Interest at 5 per centum on 
personal claims and 7 per centum on commercial ones is allowable 
from date of loss when asked on productive property. So far as he 
knows there is no rule to the prejudice of just American claims. All 
speculative claims are excluded; those for breach of existing con- 
tracts are allowed. Thinks rules, copy of which is forwarded by 
mail, should at once be approved by the United States. The Russian 
minister reserves the right to present his claim separately, unless 
otherwise instructed. With the exception of the Russian minister, 
the foreign representatives are in favor of putting war and other 
indemnities to States, including those for legation guards killed and 
wounded, into the general lump sum demanded. Final agreement on 
the general subject of the presentation of indemnity is reserved for 
future consideration. At the proper moment he will urge the views 
expressed in the Department's telegrams of November 16 and 20, and 
subsequent ones, which Mr. Conger made known to the diplomatic 
corps on February 16. France, Russia, and most of the other pow- 
ers agree in the principle that China is to be credited with treasure, 
etc., seized by troops during operations.) 



Mr. Rockhill to Mr. Hay. 

'[Telegram. — Paraphrase.] 

Peking, March 18, 1901. 

(Mr. Rockhill reports that the suggestion that each power submit 
lump claim, including governmental, sum total to be presented to 
China, was voted on by the diplomatic corps this date. This proposi- 
tion would have enabled him later to urge horizontal reduction to 
within China's ability to pay. Suggestion was opposed by British, 
German, and Italian ministers. 

Resolution was also passed fixing May 1 as the limit of time for 
filing private claims. Asks if our expenses for future military occu- 
pation will be covered in our claim.) 



Mr. Hay to Mr. Rockhill. 

[Telegram. — Paraphrase.] 

Washington, March 19, 1901. 

(Mr. Hay states that the materials principally empk^ed in the man- 
ufacture of arms and ammunition are reported by the War Depart- 
ment to be as follows: 

Brass, copper, tin, niter, lead, charcoal, guncotton, sulphur, alcohol, 
nitroglycerine, sulphuric acid, nitric acid, picric acid, mercuric ful- 
minate, raw cotton; steel tubes and hoops, forged and oil tempered. 

Mr. Hay adds that the prohibition of several of the materials men- 
tioned would, unless destined for arms and ammunition factory, be 
impossible. The object would seem to be the prevention of the set- 
ting up of plants. The exclusion of gun and cartridge machinery 
would be necessary, but this inhibition is not regarded by the United 
States as important.) 



366 EEPOET OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 

Mr. Rockhill to Mr. Hay. 

[Telegram.— Paraphrase.] 

Peking, March W. 1901. 
(Mr. Rockhill asks Mr. Haj^'s opinion as to the questions involved 
in articles 8 and 9 of the Joint Note (Dismantling of forts and military 
occupation of the road to the sea). Should these questions be discussed 
by the military representatives of powers having troops in China alone, 
or also by those which may take part in the application of military 
measures provided for by said articles ?) 



Mr. Hay to Mr. Rockhill. 

[Telegram. — Paraphrase.] 

Washington, March 21, 1901. 

(Mr. Hay directs Mr. Rockhill to endeavor, regardless of the process 
by which the sum of the indemnity is reached, first, to have the total 
kept within the limit of £40,000,000, and, secondly, that the sum be 
demanded in a lump of China without either the grounds of the claims 
or the proportion claimed by each power being itemized, leaving the 
proportionate distribution to be settled among the powers. 

Hague arbitration is to be suggested if such settlement is impossible 
at Peking. 

All claims of every description are covered by the sum we have men- 
tioned, which is subject to equitable proportionate scaling.) 



Mr. Rockhill to Mr. Hay. 

[Telegram. — Paraphrase.] 

Peking, March 22, 1901. 
(Mr. Rockhill reports that an agreement has been reached by the 
diplomatic corps, with the exception of the Russian minister, to 
demand capital punishment for four persons instead of ten, maintain- 
ing the list of minor punishments. Until the question of sending joint 
note or identical notes has been settled by the governments, no action 
can be taken. Unless instructed to the contrary, Mr. Rockhill will 
continue to vote for joint note. British minister states that he reserves 
the right to demand original lists unless joint note is agreed to.) 



Mr. Hay to Mr. Rockhill. 

[Telegram.— Paraphrase.] 

Washington, March 22, 1901. 
(Mr. Hay states, in regard to Articles VIII and IX of the joint note, 
that we as signatories should, through our militaiy representatives, 
join in determining the measures as to which the right to subsequently 
participate has been reserved by the United States.) 



REPOET OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 367 

Mr. Hay to Mr. Bockhill. 

[Telegram. 2 — Paraphrase.] 

Washington, March %3, 1901. 
(Mr. Hay, replying to Mr. RockhilFs telegram of the 22d instant, 
states that in view of his knowledge of all the circumstances he must 
use his discretion in regard to signing joint note. The President does 
not desire to dela}^ action or to risk a failure of the negotiations by 
giving more definite instructions, but Mr. Rockhill will keep in view 
and let it be understood by his colleagues that it is the earnest desire 
of the President that the effusion of blood should cease.) 



Mr. Rockhill to Mr. Hay. 

[Telegram. — Paraphrase.] 

Peking, April 6, 1901. 
(Mr. Rockhill reports that Germany will demand of China, until Mav 
1, £12,000,000. Each month thereafter 7,800,000 marks. If in the 
autumn time-expired men have to be replaced, 22,000,000 marks more. 
If indemnity is not paid Juty 1, 600,000 marks per month interest. 
German private claims, 7,700,000 taels. No other claims have as yet 
been stated except Spain and Holland, amounting together to about 
1,000,000 taels, and our losses and disbursements. * * * Mr. Rock- 
hill greatly fears that scaling down to £40,000,000 of sum to be 
demanded is quite impossible. Enormous claim from Russia is appre- 
hended. He has asked general proposition of United States as to 
reasonable lump sum to be passed upon by the powers.) 



Mr. Bockhill to Mr. Hay. 

[Telegram.— Paraphrase.] 

Peking, April 8, 1901. 

(Mr. Rockhill reports that the Austrian claim for war expenses to 
May 1 is stated at 13,200,000 crowns; 520,000 crowns additional for 
each month thereafter. Private claims about 21,000 taels. 

He is unofficially informed that Russia will demand, inclusive of 
railroad claims, £17,500,000. Japan will ask 15,000,000 yen. France 
will ask 280,000,000 francs. Belgium, 30,000,000 francs. 

He will, until otherwise instructed, insist upon scaling, but does not 
believe it will be agreed to.) 



Mr. Hay to Mr. Rockhill. 

[Telegram.] 

Washington, April £, 1901. 
The President is anxious lest the aggregate of the claims of the 
different powers should exceed the abilny of China to pay. You are 
therefore instructed once more to urge upon } r our colleagues the 



368 REPOET OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 

desirability of agreeing upon a lump sum not to exceed £40,000,000, 
to be distributed equitably among the powers, and if the agreement is 
impossible resort to Hague arbitration. This sum to be paid in money 
and not in territory. This Government is ready to scale its demand 
in any just proportion which may be accepted by other powers. 

Hay. 



Mr. Hay to Mr. Rockhill. 

[Telegram. — Paraphrase.] 

Washington, April 11, 1901. 

(Mr. Hay states that the essential object of the revision of consular 
treaties is to favor Chinese financial stability and promote ability to 
ouy in an}^ market and to exchange native products, wherever pro- 
duced, on equal terms with all nations. Inequalities of likin should 
be removed, and fixed rates for all of China could be scheduled accord- 
ing to importance and value of imports — some higher than now, and 
others lower, as they can safely stand. Trade with the interior is made 
speculative and uncertain b}^ the present irregular likin. Customs 
duties should be scheduled anew. Besides discriminating against 
cheaper necessaries, the present uniform rate yields inadequate rev- 
enue. Five to 15 per cent, according to the character of goods, would 
equalize trade without partiality or burden, and, as trade penetrates 
interior, would yield steadily increasing revenue. Application to the 
whole of China of the open door is required to do this. Equal oppor- 
tunity should be had by all trading nations to sell throughout the 
Empire. Lower duties should be attached to imports tending to 
develop Chinese productiveness. Agricultural implements and sim- 
pler manufacturing machinery should be especially favored. 

The Chinese can gain prosperity so as to buy what they do not pro- 
duce only by- developing native productions. Special trade favors to 
any power on the ground of reciprocity, territories, occupation, oi 
spheres of influence should be guarded against by stringent favored- 
nation clause now and for the future. It is necessary to secure increased 
access to interior markets. Forming of Chinese revenues should be 
restricted if not wholly discontinued, and an honest and uniform Impe- 
rial fiscal system be substituted. Advisory representation should be 
had by the principal commercial powers in the central customs admin- 
istration. Allow reasonable tonnage tax on foreign cargo vessels, 
leaving coasting trade to China, with proviso that no additional duties 
fall on transshipped foreign goods or on domestic products bonded or 
certified for export. Identical but separate commercial treaties with 
each power, those not now negotiating to be permitted to conclude 
similar treaties. 

Instructs Mr. Rockhill to sound his colleagues on these points, and 
advises that full statements are to-day mailed to him.) 



Mr. Rockhill to Mr. Hay. 

[Telegram .—Paraphrase.] 

Peking, April 13, 1901. 
(Mr. Rockhill reports that to the end of March the war claim of 
Great Britain is £4,800,000; monthly expenses thereafter, £120,000. 



EEPOBT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 369 

Should occupation be continued until the end of the year, £1,600,000 
additional. 

Hopes to get vote next Tuesday on our lump-sum proposition.) 



Mr. -Rock-hill to Mr. Hay. 

[Telegram.— Paraphrase.] 

Peking, April 18, 1901. 
(Mr. Rockhill asks to be instructed as soon as possible suggestions 
of United States Government as to payment of indemnity by China. 
Whether by an issue of bonds, by installments from its revenues, or 
by loan. Asks if guaranty of loan or bonds by the powers are 
acceptable.) 



Mr. Rockhill to Mr. Hay. 

[Telegram.— Paraphrase.] 

Peking, April 23, 1901. 

(Mr. Rockhill reports that the proposal for a lump indemnity of 
£40,000,000 was to-daj- discussed by the diplomatic corps, none of 
members have instructions to make definite reply. None are ready to 
accept that sum, though generally favorable to the principle that it 
should be within the power of China to pay. The British minister 
stated that the sum should be reasonable and payment not create finan- 
cial embarrassment. The Japanese minister thought that consideration 
ma}^ have to be given to the necessity of reduction of claims. The 
Russian minister agreed that the principal resources of the Empire 
should be taken into account. The German minister thinks that if 
China can pay all the claims generosity is unnecessary. Report of 
commission on the financial resources is awaited before any further 
discussion. It is generally believed that our limit is too low. Report 
will be submitted soon, when he will bring up the proposal again. 

The Italian minister stated war claim to May 1 to be 70,000,000 
francs; each month thereafter, 2,500,000 francs. After July 1, interest 
of 200,000 francs. All other claims amount to about 21,500,000 francs. 
The Russian minister stated war claim to May 15 to be 170,000,000 
rubles, including railroad destruction; 2,000,000 rubles monthly war 
expenses thereafter. Private claims, from 6,000,000 to 8,000,000 
rubles.) 



Mr. Ray to Mr. Rockhill. 

[Telegram.— Paraphrase.] 

Washington, April &£, 1901. 
(Mr. Hay states with reference to indemnity that we should be 
willing to accept bonds. There are inconveniences attending joint 
guaranty.) 

S. Doc. 67 21 



370 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 

Mr. EocMill to Mr. Hay. 

[Telegram. — Paraphase.] 

Peking, April 26, 1901. 

(Mr. Rockhill reports that the British Government suggests through 
their minister the scaling of the indemnity to £50,000,000, China to 
make loan in open market sufficient to pay half of that amount, with 
customs, foreign and native, as securities, arrangement to be made 
with the powers as to mode and time of payment of the other half. 

Great Britain wishes to have closed at as early a date as possible 
claims for military occupation, which are about £1,500,000 monthly. 
Indemnity now reaches £67,000,000.) 



Mr. Hay to Mr. EocMill. 

[Telegram.— Paraphrase.] 

Washington, April <29, 1901. 

(Mr. Hay states that he will be absent from Washington for a month, 
but can always be reached by telegraph. 

Much is necessarily left to Mr. Rockhill's discretion; he is instructed 
to favor moderation both in amount and terms of pa}^ment. This 
Government thinks increased privileges and administrative reforms 
are more desirable than a large cash indemnity. 

All that has been done by Mr. Rockhill is cordially approved.) 



Mr. Rockhill to Mr. Hay. 

[Telegram. — Paraphrase.] 

Peking, May 7, 1901. 

(Mr. Rockhill reports that the diplomatic corps agreed to inform the 
Chinese plenipotentiaries that the sum total of the disbursements of the 
powers amount to about £67,500,000, including military expenses and 
private claims down to Jury 1; that this amount will considerabty 
increase after that date if military occupation is prolonged. They will 
ask China to formally admit liability and state what financial measures 
it proposes to take to pay debt. 

Mr. Rockhill agreed to the note with the formal understanding that 
it was not in any sense a demand, nor did it represent the final figure 
of indemnity to be demanded, but was merely a means of eliciting 
formal reply of China as to limit of ability to pay and measures it pro- 
poses to take. 

The French and Russian ministers are instructed to urge loan with 
joint guarant} r ; Austrian and Japanese ministers are favorable to loan 
with guaranty; British and German ministers are noncommital; the 
others are without instructions, but will probably favor it. 

Mr. Rockhill held out little probability of his Government accept- 
ing, stating that he saw grave difficulties in the way of joint guaranty; 
he thinks it should be opposed, unless, perhaps, we got a reduction of 



REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 371 

indemnity to about £40,000,000, with compensating commercial priv- 
ileges. China will, it is estimated, have to pay 23 per cent commis- 
sions and 7 per cent interest for loan without guaranty; with guaranty, 
7 per cent commission and 4 per cent interest. 
Requests full instructions.) 



Mr. Hay to Mr. Rockhill. 

[Telegram.— Paraphrase.] 

Washington, May 10, 1901. 

(Mr. Hay states that the aggregate sum mentioned appears exorbi- 
tant, and repeats that this Government is willing to reduce by one- 
half its already reasonable claim if the other powers will make similar 
reduction. There are grave objections to joint guaranty, but the 
President would agree to it, subject to the action of Congress, rather 
than subject China to the necessity of paying so enormous a commis- 
sion. Mr. RockhilPs suggestion in regard to reducing the total amount, 
with compensating commercial advantages, is strongly approved. 

The President wishes Mr. Rockhill to propose that each power 
accept bonds of China without international guarant} 7 . Such bonds 
would be accepted by this Government at 3 per cent, and without com- 
mission, for its share of indemnity. * * *) 



Mr. Rockhill to Mr. Hay. 

[Telegram . — Paraphrase. ] 

Peking, May 12, 1901. 

(Mr. Rockhill reports that reply of China to the note referred to in 
his telegram of the 7th instant has been received, proposing } T early 
payments of 15,000,000 taels, of which 10,000,000 from the gabelle, 
3,000,000 from native customs, and 2,000,000 from the likin; maritime 
customs to see that the monthly payments are regularly made into 
authorized banks, which would transmit proportion to each power; 
payments to commence July, 1902. 

China begs the powers to reduce the amount and to agree to increase 
by one-third the present tariff; refers to extreme financial embar- 
rassments which must result.) 



Mr. Rockhill to Mr. Hay. 

[Telegram . — Paraphrase.] 

Peking, May W, 1901. 
. (Mr. Rockhill reports views of the British Government as commu- 
nicated to its representative at Peking in regard to indemnity. It is 
absolutely opposed to joint guaranty advocated and pressed by Russia 
and France. The reduction to 200,000,000 taels, proposed by the United 
States, is considered by it too generous, and it suggests that it be fixed 



372 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA 

at 400,000,000 taels, by which all claims, up to July 1, are to be cov- 
ered; it would allow no claim for military occupations after that date; 
the powers would receive from China bonds at par, bearing 4 per cent 
interest, and a sinking fund at a rate of one-half of 1 per cent per 
annum would be provided. Provisions for payment would be made 
from an increase of 5 per cent effective on foreign imports, and the 
proceeds of native customs, and the tax on salt. China would issue 
three-fourths of the bonds at first, and the remainder after improve- 
ment of her -finances.) 



Mr. Eockhill to Mr. Ray. 

[Telegram. — Paraphrase.] 

Peking, May 22, 1901. 
(Mr. Rockhill reports that the proposal of the United States regard- 
ing the scaling of the indemnity has been practically declined of by 
the action of the foreign representatives, who have, by a vote, decided 
that the amount of expenses actually incurred by the powers, as well 
as the claims of private persons, shall be demanded of China as an 
indemnity. The question whether it would be advisable to limit the 
amount to 450,000,000 taels, by which all 'claims up to July 1 are cov- 
ered, was reserved, thus making it possible that all subsequent claims 
for military occupation will be stopped. An increase of import duties 
to 5 per cent, effective and without compensating commercial advan- 
tages, for the purpose of supplying funds for the indemnity, was agreed 
to by all the plenipotentiaries except Mr. Rockhill, who insisted for 
compensating commercial advantages.) 



Mr. Hay to Mr. Rockhill. 

[Telegram. — Paraphrase.] 

Washington, May 22, 1901. 
(Mr. Hay, in reply to Mr. Rockhill's telegram of the 20th, empha- 
sizes the objection of the United States to joint guarantee, and while 
directing that the reduction to forty millions proposed by the United 
States be insisted on as long as practicable, authorizes the acceptance 
of the proposition of 400,000,000 taels if nothing better can be ob- 
tained. He also authorizes Mr. Rockhill to agree to any reasonable 
modification of the proposition of the United States that each power 
will accept the bonds of China at par and at an interest of 3 per cent, 
but only after urging it and provided the modification shall close the 
matter.) 



Mr. Rockhill to Mr. Hay. 

[Telegram.— Paraphrase.] 

Peking, May 25, 1901. 
(Mr. Rockhill reports that all the powers will without a doubt soon 
agree to limit the idemnity to 450,000,000 taels, and that German}^ 
Great Britain, and Italy have already done so officially. Expresses the 



REPOET OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 373 

opinion that a transfer of the question to The Hague would have no other 
use than to cause delay, and asks whether he should make a proposition 
to so transfer it or agree to the amount as limited. Inquires whether 
the United States would agree to a proposition of the Japanese to the 
British Government tending to the abolition of all likin dues on imports 
to be compensated by an advance to 10 per cent of Chinese tariff on 
imports. Suggests that other compensations might be obtained in 
addition.) 



Mr. Bock-hill to Mr. Hay. 

[Telegram.— Paraphrase . J 

Peking, May W, 1901. 
(Mr. Rockhill reports, on reliable authority, that the edict agreeing 
to 450,000,000 taels as the amount of indemnity and 4 per cent as the 
rate of interest was received in Peking on Ma}^ 28.) 



Mr. Hay to Mr. Bockhill. 

[Telegram.— Paraphrase.] 

Washington, May 28, 1901. 
(Mr. Hay instructs Mr. Rockhill to urge arbitration by The Hague 
tribunal or a reduction of the amount of indemnity, which is considered 
excessive, and, it is feared, will prove disastrous to China, if there 
remains the least possibility of the suggestion of the United States 
being considered; but if there is no hope of obtaining this the United 
States have no wish to cause indefinite delay. Gives his approval of 
the Japanese proposition of an increase of duties on imports, with 
abolishment of likin dues or other compensations.) 



Mr. Bockhill to Mr. Hay. 

[Telegram. — Paraphrase.] 

Peking, June i, 1901. 
(Mr. Rockhill reports a rapid reduction of the military forces of 
the powers in consequence of the acceptance by the Emperor of China 
of the amount of the indemnity at 450,000,000 taels and the rate of 
interest at 4 per cent. The German forces will be reduced to one 
brigade, and Count Waldersee has received orders to return immedi- 
ately to Germany). 

Mr. Bockhill to Mr. Hay. 

[Telegram . — Paraphrase . ] 

Peking, June 8, 1901. 
(Mr. Rockhill reports that he has made formal proposal to refer the 
whole question of indemnity to the tribunal of arbitration at The 
Hague, by reason of the indefinite delay in coming to an agreement.) 



374 KEPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 

Mr. Hay to Mr. RochUll. 

[Telegram.— Paraphrase. ] 

Washington, June £, 1901. 
(Mr. Hay approves Mr. Rockhill's action as reported in his telegram 
of the 8th. The Governments of France, Great Britain, and Russia 
have been informed, in reply to inquiries, that collective guaranty is 
strongly objected to by the United States, and the willingness of this 
Government to accept Chinese bonds without such guaranty has again 
been expressed to them. Any reasonable arrangement by which the 
negotiations shall be brought to an early close will be concurred in.) 



Mr. RockUll to Mr. Hay. 

[Telegram. — Paraphrase.] 

Peking, June 11, 1901. 
(Mr. Rockhill reports that the following agreement has been reached 
by the diplomatic corps in regard to the indemnity: The revenues 
from native customs, the available balance of maritime customs and 
salt tax, without any foreign control over the service as it exists, and 
an increase of tariff duties to 5 per cent effective ad valorem will be 
reserved for the payment of interests. He asks approval of his 
action in agreeing to the advance of duties, which he did, because 
nothing better could be obtained on the following conditions, that 
the tariff shall be revised and specific duties substituted for ad valorem 
duties; that China will participate financially in the improvement of 
water approaches of Shanghai and Tientsin, and that the regulations 
on inland navigation shall be revised so that no class of shipping 
shall be excluded. The 5 per cent duty has been agreed to by all the 
powers without any commercial compensation, and any partial aboli- 
tion of likin dues is opposed by Great Britain.) 



Mr. Rockhill to Mr. Hay. 

[Telegram.— Paraphrase.] 

Peking, June 11, 1901. 
(Mr. Rockhill asks whether he may agree to the increase of duties 
to 5 per cent effective with the first two compensations mentioned in 
his telegram of this date, in view of the attitude of the Russian min- 
ister, who has informed his colleagues that he will not ask his Govern- 
ment for the revision of the inland navigation regulations.) 



Mr. Hay to Mr. Rockhill. 

[Telegram.— Paraphrase.] 

Washington, June 12, 1901. 
(Mr. Ha} 7 approves suggestions in Mr. Rockhill's telegrams of the 
11th instant and directs to do what he can for speedy conclusion; and, 
if practicable to obtain them, to agree to 5 per cent effective with 
compensations mentioned.) 



BEPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 375 

Mr. Rockhill to Mr. Hay. 

[Telegram. — Paraphrase.] 

Peking, June 15, 1901. 
(Mr. Rockhill reports that 450,000,000 taels and 4 per cent bonds at 
par may be considered as the indemnity agreed upon. Japan can only 
borrow at 5 per cent, and will consequently lose heavily at that rate. 
She submits the difficulty of her position. Asks if Mr. Hay can suggest 
a way of securing her against loss. The same question has been tele- 
graphed by the British and German ministers to their Governments. 
Prospects for early termination of negotiations are favorable.) 



Mr. Rockliill to Mr. Hay. 

[Telegram . —Paraphrase . ] 

Peking, June 19, 1901. 
(Mr. Rockhill reports that the agreement reported in his telegram of 
the 11th instant is imperiled by the British refusal to accept the pro- 
posal of France and Russia that, in event of irregularity in making 
payments by China, the eventual raising of the tariff to 10 per cent to 
supply deficiency be discussed; all the powers to make all reservations 
they choose to whenever the discussion begins. Mr. Rockhill hopes 
that British opposition can be overcome. None of the ministers there 
can see danger in the proposal, which affords satisfaction to Russia and 
France for relinquishing guaranteed loan in favor of bonds. * * *) 



Mr. Hay to Mr. Rockliill. 

[Telegram.— Paraphrase.] 

Washington, June 21, 1901. 
(Mr. Hay states that this Government is opposed to, raising the 
revenue above 5 per cent effective, but directs Mr. Rockhill to refrain 
from opposing proposition of eventual discussion if it will aid in bring- 
ing negotiations to a close.) 

Mr. Roclddll to Mr. Hay. 

[T elegram . —Paraphrase . ] 

Peking, July 3, 1901. 

(Mr. Rockhill reports that as yet no agreement has been reached 
formally accepting 450,000,000 taels and 4 per cent bonds at par. 
Russia accepts 4 per cent bonds at par onl} T on the condition that no 
power asks for special advantage, as Japan does. 

Great Britain still refuses Russian proposal concerning eventual 
raising of tariff. Difficulties of minor importance concerning pa} r - 
ment of indemnity arising in each meeting. No progress has been 
made since the meeting of the 19th ultimo. He has since the 8th of 
June urged reference to The Hague of the whole indemnity question, 
or such part as the powers agree on, but all the ministers, excepting 
the British, are without instructions. * * * ) 



376 REPOET OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 

Mr. Rockhill to Mr. Hay. 

[Telegram.— Paraphrase.] 

Peking, July 16, 1901. 
(Mr. Rockhill reports that he is informed by the Japanese minister 
that he will not insist on additional allowance, but will reserve the 
question for the future. British objection to Russian proposal, which 
was reported in Mr. Rockhill's telegram of June 19, still blocks the 
way to a final settlement, which, were the objection removed, could 
be reached in a fortnight. As a compromise Great Britain now offers 
to agree to consider with the powers what additional revenues shall 
be pledged by China in case those assigned should prove insuffi- 
cient. * * "*) 



Mr. Hay to Mr. Rockhill. 

[Telegram. — Paraphrase.] 

Washington, July 16, 1901. 
(Mr. Hay acknowledges Mr. Rockhill's telegram of the 16th instant 
and directs him to take whatever course seems to assist in bringing 
the negotiations to a conclusion.) 



Mr. Rockhill to Mr. Hay. 

[Telegram. — Paraphrase.] 

Peking, July 18, 1901. 

(Mr. Rockhill reports that the diplomatic corps at a meeting this 
date again voted on Russian proposal regarding the eventual raising 
of the tariff. British minister submitted compromise, as reported by 
telegraph on the 16th instant, but no representative opposed Russian 
proposal. Hopes this will help break deadlock. Four hundred and 
fifty million taels indemnity and 4 per cent interest formally accepted, 
Japan waiving an}^ preferential treatment. A plan of amortization 
also agreed upon. Russian minister inquires whether United States 
accepts scheme prohibition of arms (inclosure to Mr. Rockhill's dis- 
patch No. 67). He has voted in favor of two years' limit, but has 
expressed no opinion on mode of enforcement. Formal surrender of 
Peking to Chinese authorities is to take place on August 14. 

Mr. Rockhill will remain until August 15 to endeavor to finish work.) 



Mr. Hay to Mr. Rockhill. 

[Telegram. — Paraphrase.] 

Washington, July 20, 1901. 
(Mr. Hay thinks the prohibition of the importation of firearms of 
doubtful advantage, but Mr. Rockhill can assent if a practicable scheme 
for a reasonable renewal term is generalty supported by the powers, sub- 



REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 377 

ject, so far as this Government is concerned, to the necessity of asking 
express legislation of Congress in case the existing authority of law 
does not suffice for the execution of our share of the proposed arrange- 
ment. 

Mr. Hay is gratified that Mr. Rockhill will remain until August 15.) 



Mr. Rockhill to Mr, Hay. 

[Telegram . — Paraphrase . ] 



Peking, July 00, 1901. 
(Mr. Rockhill asks if this Government wishes payments to it on 
account of the indemnity to be made in United States gold or sterling. 
Operation sinking fund in plan adopted begins in 1902; capital and 
interest to be paid off in 1940.) 



Mr. Hay to Mr. Rockhill. 

[Telegram.— Paraphrase.] 

Washington, July &£, 1901. 

(Mr. Hay states that payments in United States gold or in sterling 
at the rate of four eighty-six sixty-five the pound will be equally sat- 
isfactory. 

Uniformity and least burden to China should be taken into consid- 
eration.) 



Mr. Rockhill to Mr. Hay. 

[Telegram.— Paraphrase.] 

Peking, July 26, 1901. 

(Mr. Rockhill reports that Russia will not at the present moment 
insist upon considering the eventual raising of the import tariff beyond 
5 per cent as reserve guaranty. 

In case revenues are insufficient for payments on indemnity, the 
powers to examine and fix revenues necessary to supply deficiency. 

Import dues shall not be excluded from examination. 

The British minister is quite satisfied. 

This settles the whole of the question of financial measures. 

The 450,000,000 taels to be converted into gold at rate of April 1, 
this year. Increase of import entails abolishment of free list, except- 
ing cereals, but with compensations asked for. Refers to his tele- 
grams of June 11. 

All other points satisfactorily settled. A final protocol signed by 
all parties, probably in a fortnight, will embody the results.) 



378 EEPOET OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 

Mr. Bockhill to Mr. Hay. 

[Telegram.— Paraphrase.] 

Peking, July 27, 1901. 

(Mr. Rockhill reports that the application of the new tariff immedi- 
ately after signing the protocol, only exempting goods in transit, is 
favored by a majority of the diplomatic corps. In view of the aboli- 
tion of the free list, he has raised an objection, suggesting a delay of 
three months. 

Instructions requested.) 

Mr. Bockhill to Mr. Ray. 

[Telegram . —Paraphrase. ] 

Peking, July 28, 1901. 
(Mr. Rockhill reports that, beginning July 1, 1901, interest on 
indemnity will be payable semiannually. China will be given three 
years to pay first installment. Regular payments and sinking fund 
will begin January, 1902. Payments to be made to financial commit- 
tee at Shanghai. Refers to his dispatch No. 95.) 



Mr. Hay to Mr. Bockhill. 

[Telegram.— Paraphrase.] 

Washington, July 28, 1901. 

(Mr. Hay states that commerce would be embarrassed by derange- 
ment of contracts actually in course of fulfillment b} r application of 
duties to articles heretofore free. It is most desirable to afford timely 
notice, or to at least exempt cargoes afloat at the time duties are 
enacted. 

Extends congratulations on near prospects of agreement on all points 
under discussion.) 



Mr. Bockhill to Mr. Hay. 

[Telegram. —Paraphrase . ] 

Peking, August h 1901. 
(Mr. Rockhill reports that the international commission for the con- 
version of the present Chinese tariff into specific rate will begin very 
soon at Shanghai. Asks if an expert (who should start immediately) 
will be detailed by the Secretary of the Treasur}^ to represent the 
United States in it.) 

Mr. Hay to Mr. Bockhill. 

[Telegram.— Paraphrase.] 

Washington, August 5, 1901. 
(Mr. Hay instructs Mr. Rockhill to endeavor to have flour retained 
on the free list, if possible.) 



REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 379 

Mr. Rockhill to the United States consul at Nanking. 

[Telegram.] 

Peking, August 6, 1901. 
See viceroy immediately. Urge him, at nry request, to consider 
favorably proposed Whangpu conservancy scheme which the British, 
German, and Japanese consuls are to submit to him. 

His prompt acceptance will bring negotiations here to a close. The 
work on the Whangpu is greatly needed in the interest of China, 
whose sovereign rights are fully guaranteed in scheme. 
Reply by telegraph. 

Rockhill. 



Mr. Martin, consul at Nanking, to Mr. Rockhill. 

[Telegram.] 

Nanking, August 7, 1901: 
Sovereign rights of China being guaranteed, Viceroy willing 
Whangpu conservation be carried out and expects inspector-general 
of customs to represent China. 

Martin. 



Mr. Rockhill to Mr. Hay. 

[Telegram.— Paraphrase.] 

Peking, August 8, 1901. 
(Mr. Rockhill reports delay to signing of the final protocol caused 
b} T objections raised by British Government against the international 
commission for the revision of tariff, which was unanimously accepted 
June 11, and the Chinese Government so informed; also by wanting 
to insert in the protocol a clause highly objectionable to several of the 
powers.) 



Mr. Rockhill to Mr. Hay. 

[Telegram.— Paraphrase.] 

Peking, August 10, 1901. 

(Mr. Rockhill reports that two months after signing of final protocol 
a tariff of 5 per cent ad valorem effective will be put in force, except- 
ing goods shipped within ten days after signing, and will continue 
until the commission has effected conversion to specific rates. Free 
list, which will include flour, will shortly be settled. 

The British Government proposes to return to the financial com- 
mittee at Shanghai, to be disposed of as the powers decide, any balance 
of its share of the indemnity in excess of its adjusted claim.) 



380 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 

Mr. Eochhill to Mr. Hay. 

[Telegram.— Paraphrase.] 

Peking, August 12, 1901. 
(Mr. Rockhill reports formal agreement upon draft of final protocol. 
Rice, foreign cereals and Hour, gold and silver bullion and coin are 
included in the free list.) 



Mr. Hay to Mr. Rockhill. 

[Telegram.— Paraphrase.] 

Washington, August H, 1901. 
(Mr. H^y states that this Government is prepared to send expert 
representatives on tariff revision committee; that we have no informa- 
tion as to date of signing protocol. Asks when it will be signed, and 
when should our expert go.) 



Mr. Eochhill to Mr. Hay. 

[Tel egram . — Paraphrase. ] 

Peking, August 16, 1901. 

(Mr. Rockhill acknowledges Mr. Hay's telegram of the 14th instant, 
and reports that the British minister states his Government will com- 
municate concerning the tariff revision directly with the Government 
of the United States. 

The protocol will, in all likelihood, be signed within the next few 
days. He will remain for that purpose.) 



Mr. Hay to Mr. Eochhill. 

[Telegram.— Paraphrase.] 

Washington, August 22, 1901. 
(Mr. Hay states that the President would be glad to have Mr. Rock- 
hill remain at Peking until the protocol has been signed if he can do so 
without inconvenience.) 



Mr. Eochhill to Mr. Hay. 

[Telegram. — Paraphrase.] 

Peking, August 25, 1901. 

(Mr. Rockhill asks if this Government agrees to British proposal 
concerning surplus indemnity, referred to in his telegram of the 10th 
instant. 

The Chinese plenipotentiaries are still waiting authorization of 
Chinese Government to sign protocol. 



REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 381 

Mr. Rockhill will remain at Peking until the matter is settled. 

Replying to Mr. Hay's telegram * to Mr. Conger, composition of 
Commission for the revision of the tariff and place of meeting not yet 
settled. * * *) 



Mr. Adec to Mr. Rockhill. 

[Telegram.— Paraphrase.] 

Washington, September 3, 1901. 

(Mr. Adee states that a telegram from viceroy Nanking relative to 
Woosung bar has been communicated to him by the minister from 
China. Says a wholly foreign bureau objectionable; invasion sover 
eignty of China, and stating' the foreign ministers say unless Woosung 
demands complied with they will not agree to increased tariff. 

Mr. Adee states that prompt general settlement should not be inter- 
fered with by a local demand of this character, and directs Mr. Rock- 
hill to cable situation briefly.) 



Mr. Rockhill to the Secretary of State. 

[Telegram. — Paraphrase.] 

Peking, September 3, 1901. 

(Mr. Rockhill reports that Imperial command to sign the protocol was 
received on the 28th ultimo by the Chinese plenipotentiaries. * * * 

Chinese say that they are waiting for edicts on punishments and 
examinations.) 



Mr. Rockhill to Mr. Hay. 

[Telegram. — Paraphrase.] 

Peking, September 4, 1901. 

(Mr. Rockhill, replying to Mr. Adee's telegram of the 3d instant, 
reports that the Chinese Government, by a note of August 30, form- 
ally accepted plan for improvement of the navigation of Woosung 
River; that the board is not wholly foreign; in it are the Shanghai 
taotai, the commissioner of customs, and one representative of Chinese 
steam shipping. 

No foreign officials will be members. Viceroy Nanking will be con- 
sulted; accounts submitted to him, and his consent asked for some 
measures. There is absolutely no invasion of the sovereignty of 
China. China is enabled by the plan to carry out most important 
measures facilitating trade under most favorable conditions, foreign 
trade and Shanghai communit}^ paying half the expenses. Most of the 
objections of the Nanking viceroy, which have been fully considered, 
have been found to be without foundation.) 

1 Not printed. 



382 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER TO CHINA. 

Mr. Rockhill to Mr. Hay. 

[Telegram. — Paraphrase.] 

Peking, September 6, 1901. 
(Mr. Rockhill reports the arrival of the edicts. Signature of the 
protocol will take place on the morning of the 7th instant. Peking 
will be evacuated by the 17th, and expeditionar}^ forces are to evacu- 
ate the province by the 22d instant.) 



Mr. Conger to Mr. May. 

[Telegram.] 

Peking, September 10, 1901. 
Protocol signed 7th. Rockhill left 8th. 

Conger. 






INDEX. 



Agreement U'tween Great Britain ami Germany relating to troubles in 
China: 
tel SI 

views of United states Government SI 

Allots; i. J, forts, and building* at Shamhaikwan for a semiperma- 

nent garrison. (Set Military measure- 
Ammunition. {St Prohibition of arms, i 
Amortixatioii: plan of; annex 13 to final protocol 

cmational »n. ) 

Annexes to protocol. (Set Protocol, final.) 
Arbitral tribunal: 

Mr. Koekliill proposed to submit question of Chinese indemnity to The 

Ham 

Mr. Hill approves aliove proposal 

Archive* of theTsungli Yamcn. (See Tsimgli Yam 
Arms. (Sm Prohibition of. ) 

c. 

Cemeteries: li.-t ..(, desecrated (annex 10 to linal proton 
i non ml, court 

■ ns of reform in 120,121.122,132,100 

Mr. Kockhill transmits full correspondence with Chinese pleninoti 
tiaries relating to audiences oi foreign representatives with the 

Emperoi »,291 

memorandum on ceremonial lo be followed in solemn audiences (aim 

!«.» to final protocol ) „ 

Cessation of hostuit* 

pro|Misal of Li llung-chang lor 15-16 

conditions under which Inited States will consider. 16 

Chang Yin-lman: posthumous honors for . . 254,808 

Chinese foreign oftiee. (Set Foreign office, Chinei 
Chiug, Prince: order of privy council to proceed to Peking to neg< 

with power* - 21 

Plenipotentiaries of Chin 
Christians, native: indemnity for wrongs and losses ... 45 

Commercial privileges: Mr. Koekliill transmits correspondence with Yangtze. 

viceroys on the subject 1"0 

Commercial tree I 

Commissioner to China. (»Sr* Koekliill, W. W.) 

Commission, international, for the the tariff: objections of 

i treat Britain 

. international, at Amoy: Mr. Koekliill transmits corres|x>ndence 

in regard to 

the Whangpu. (Hte Whangpu Bivi 
Court ceremonial. nonial, cow 

n. 

])egra<lation of Major Siao, of the Chinese army, ticcnuse of his kindness to 
American t8 

aatic quarter at Peking. (See Legation quart 

383 



384 INDEX. 

K. 

Edicts, Imperial: • ^Re- 
appointment of Ti Huncr-chang as envoy plenipotentiary 14, 21 

prescribing certain punishments 

decreeing satisfactory punishments S»2 

directing Chinese plenipotentiaries to bring to a prompt close the peace 

negotiations 177 

accepting the 12 articles of the final protocol (annex 1 to final protocol). 3lt* 
directing Prince t'h'un to proceed to Germany on an expiatory m issi o n 

(annex 2 to final protocol) . - 8U» 

decreeing punishments (annexes 4. •">. and <» to final protocol) 320, 322, 823 

restoring honors to certain Otficialfl i annex 7 to final protocol) . 824 

suspending examinationa (annex 8 to final protocol) 824 

decreeing expiatory mission to .Japan (annex i» to final protocol) . . ,'525 

prohibiting inn»ortation ol arms, etc (annex 11 to final protocol). . 326 

directed against secret societies (annex 15 to final protocol) 881 

commanding the protection of foreigners (annex 16 to final protocol).. 882 

sting a hoard of foreign affairs (annex 18 to final protocol) 887 

Emperor of China: 

appeal for President's assistance in restoring peace and ord« 12, 28 

President's reply to above 

return to Peking: Mr. Conger reports, in view of delay in beginning 

negotiations, having suggested 84 

Prince Ching states that the Kmperor hat been memorialiaed to return . 

to Peking 36 

Envoys plenipotentiary of China. (See Plenipotentiaries of China.) 
Examinations: imperial edict declaring HUsj»cn*ion of i annex H to final 

protocol) 321 

Punishments. ) 
Expiatory 'missi) 
to < iermany: 

Mr. Kockhill reports intended dc]«rture of gftj 

Imperial edict directing Prince Ch'un to proceed on 319 

to Japan: 

Mr Kockhill reports intended departure of ., 253 

Imperial edict decreeing (annex 9 to final protocol) 
Expiatory monuments. [Set Monuments.) 

F. 
final protocol. {Set Protocol, final) 
foreigners, protection of: imperial edict commanding (annex !»> to final 

pn »tocol ) 882 

Foreign office, Chin* 

Mr. Kockhill reports discussions by the diplomatic representatives of 
questions of reform in, and transmits correspondence with Chinese 

plenipotentiaries 120, 121, 122, 182. 272, 2M 

ImjuTial edict creating board of foreign affairs (annex is to final pro- 
tocol ) 887 

franco: 

charge' d'affaires communicates purposes of his Government in negotia- 
tions 28, 29 

memoranda to Preach charge d'affaires outlining intended policy of the 

I nited States in negotiations* 27,30 

(i. 
Germany: 

charge* d'affaires communicates views of his Government as to condi- 
tions to be exacted In the matter of punishments preliminary to enter- 
ing upon negotiations 23,841 

Mr. Hill communicates views of United States Government on a! 

question 24, 341 

charge d'affaires asks views of United States as to edict prescribing cer- 
tain punishments 

memorandum of the Secretary of Stat*- replying to aliove Inquiry 26 

agreement between (iermany and Great Britain relating to troubles in 

China 81 

s s of the United States Government ou above agreement ... 31 



INDEX. 885 

Groat Rritain: ,, 

agreement between Great Britain and Germany relating to troubles in 

^ l. 1 1 1 Hit •••••••««........... Ql 

views of the United states Government on above "agreement 
G uards. {See Legat ion guards. ) 

Honors: 



bestowed on antiforoign Chinese, Tung Fu-hsiang and U Pina>henir: 

Mr. Conger protests against ■ 

restoration of, to certain officials: Imperial edict * (annex* 7'tonnaY nn 

tOCol ) 



324 



Hostilities, cessation of: 

proposal of Li Hung-ehang for 15 Hi 

conditions under which united states will consider! \\\... .....]]..['.[ ' 1« 

1. 
Indemnities (tee Negotiations): 

Mr. Conger reports as to amount China can probably pav, and sources 

from which it may 1k« drawn 70 

views of United States as to 359, &l7366,"367, ^,"371. 372, 373 

Mr. hock lull reports various discussions by the foreign representa- 
tives _* 86 1)4 101 

108,880, 367, 368, 360, 370, 371. 372, 373, 374, m^ifimMuA, toi 

conclusion oi the discussion and report of the Commission 104 

conference, informal, on various points relating to the report of the 

Commission jog 

appointment of a committee to consider the financial resources "of 

China, with a view to payment of 112 

memoranda prepared by Sir Ernest Satow, British minister to China* 

and Sir Kobert Mart 113 

proposition to govern claims for legation guards and volunteers " 119,360 

suggestions of Mr. Rock hi 1 1 127,128 

views of British Government 'l39 

views of United States Government requested 139 

proposition of the United States: reports discussion of 141 

views of British Government as transmitted to Mr. Rockhill by British 

minister to China ' 143 

report of committee appointed to consider the question of payment of, 

discussion by diplomatic representatives „ 144, 156 

reply of Chinese plenipotentiaries a- to payment of 165 

Mr. Rockhill comments on the difficulty of the representatives of the 
oowers in arriving at any understanding: incloses memorandum of 

British minister to China .' 169 

discussion of note oi Chinese plenipotentiaries indicating their proposed 

method of payment, and reply thereto 171 

Mr. Hay approves Mr. Rock hi IPs position on the question 173 

continuation of discussion of the British proposals for payment by 

China 173 

Mr. Rockhill reports positions <»t* various powers and thinks the United 
States policy of moderation has been of benefit to China ami Amer- 
ican interests there 175 

further discussion of British proposal 170 

opinion of Viceroy Chang Chih-tung 181 

Mr. Rockhill reports having received information of an imperial edict 

agreeing to payment oi 450,000,000 taels 181 

communication from Chinese plenipotentiaries accepting indemnity of 

450,000,000 taels .'. . . 184 

Mr. Rockhill reports discussion of various plans of amortization 186, 376 

minutes of meeting between members of committee on payment and Li 

Hung-ehang 187 

list of indemnities asked up to July 1, 1901 . 224 

Mr. Rockhill reports having proposed to submit the question to the 
Arbitral Tribunal at The Hague; also as to attitude of various i>owers 

on the proposed indemnity 226, 373 

Mr, Hill approves Mr. Rockhill's proposal to submit the question to 

The Hague 226,374 

revenues to l>e set aside for the payment of: consideration of the 
question ' 227,244,246 

F R 1901— AV ^5 



386 



INDKX, 



Indemnities— Continued. p^ 

Mr. Hill approves Mr. Roekhiirs action in the consideration of 'above 

quest ion o.^ 

Russian minister's objection to a revision of inland naVimUon 'regula- 
tions: incloses memorandum mmma 2\:\ 

memorandum of Japanese minister, showing loss Japan wouid "suffer Vf 

4 per interest on bonds should he accepted •»;>(> 

revenue measures: Mr. Rockhill advises postponement of nnnimivial 

treat v negotiation .* 050 

discussion of details • *j.V>, 275 i»s3 

transmits copy of rtote from Chinese plenij •■ t ,ntiaries as to pavment 

(annex 12 to Anal protocol) \ ;jo^ 

planof amortization (ajmi'x 18 to final \>v<*>>y<A). '.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.. /........'. a$8 

bond for total indemnity ; Mr. Conger transmits '&\\) 

Instructions, general, to Mr. Rockhill, United States Commissioner 14 

International commission for A he conversion of the tariff. {Sn Commis- 
sion. International.) * 
International Concession. [See Concession. ) 

L 

Legation: 

Russian charge* d'affaires inquires if United states intends to transfer 
its legation to Tientsin :>.{, .Ml 

Russian charge d'affaires informed that lintel States has no present 

intention to withdraw its legation from Peking 28, 341 

Legation guards: 

Mr. Rockhill gives his reasons for thinking one company of infantry 
sufficient ' '. 101 

discussion of reduction of number of 189 

Legation quarter: 

plan for proj>osed: Mr. Conger forwards and offers suggestions 82 

demand for: Mr. Rockhill reports conference res)>ecting demands for, 
and that area allotted to United states is inadequate 03 

conference of diplomatic representatives in regard to OH, 101 

seizure of land in: Mr. Conger reports steps taken to prevent 07 

defense of: Mr. Hay concurs in Mr. Rockhill's views respecting pro- 
posed system of 08 

objection to area asked for: Mr. Rockhill transmits memorandum of 
Chinese plenipotentiaries setting forth 89 

acquisition of land by private individuals: Department enjoins the 
withholding, for the present, of authorization ^i 

correspondence with Chinese plenipotentiaries 

police regulations for: discussion 01 ijj; 

demand to l>e made for a tract for: Mr. Hay approves 

defense of: discussion of measures for • **** 

Mr. Rockhill transmits correspondence concerning carrying out of Arti- 
cle VII of Joint Note providing for the creating in Peking of a defen- 
sihle *J- 

Mr. Adee gives views of Department on almvc question -V 

satisfactory conclusion of the question: Mr. Rockhill transmits corre- 



spondence and reports. 



294 

D^V«IUVUV\ »w.\ • . v J ■>■«..-<. . ........................ ------ «»'lO 

boundaries, description ot (annex 14 to final protocol) '** 

Li Hung-ehang: appointment as envoy plenipotentiary 

( See Plenipotentiaries of China. ) .Lv 

Looting of foreign settlement at Peitaiho. punishment of guilty parties i-f 

M. 
Maps: afl 

of proposed legation quarter at Peking JJX 

of legation quarter at Peking (annex 14 to final protocol) 

Militarv measures: «m) 

points to be occupied bv United States troops . ■ • 

means of carrving out Articles VIII and IX of Joint Note: correspond- 

ence between M r. Rockhill and Genera) Chaffee as U ^ ; 

views of United States . . •?••• •;.;:":".• 

discussion of, by diplomatic representatives, in connection y 1 ™ A ™. 
cles VIII id IX of Joint Note, and reports of Field Marshal Count j 

von Waldersee and General Chaffee ld -' **» 00 ' 



INDKX. 387 

Military measures—Continued. i>» Ke . 

discussion of • j 37 leo 

reply of diplomatic representatives to Utter of Held MarYhaTco^mt 
von \\ aldersee |«n 

Count you Waldersee's proposition: discussion of; correspondence in- 
closed ,-u 

intention of Chinese plenipotentiaries to bring son\e 3,000* trooi'^ to 
I eking to police the city, and refusal of diplomatic corps to allow it: 
correspondence inclosed .>^- 

allotment of land, forts, and I mi Minus at Slmidiaik\\VuVior"a"snn"ipt.V- 

inanent garrison: correspondence inclosed. 248 251 

prmlaination of the iwwers peciting events which brouffht about oceii- " 
pation by foreign forces and the conditions of evacuation 274 

conference of the commanders-in-chief of the allied forces in reference 
to Articles VIII and IX of tin? Joint Note: minutes of 284 

fortifications to be razed, and Joints which are to In- held by foreign 
troops: Mr. Rockhill transmits note to Chinese plenipotentiaries 

giving list of i 293 

Military operations: reports of proposed resumption of; Mr. Conger pro- 
tested against <£. 91 

Mission. [See Expiatory mission. V 
Monuments: 

commemorative: to Baron von Ketteler: report that work has been 
begun on (annex ;» to final protocol) 319 

expiatory: carrying <mt of Article IV of the Joint Note providing "for 
the erection of: correspondence concerning 230 

expiatory: satisfactory conclusion of the question: correspondence 

inclosed 296 

X. 

Native Christians: indemnity for wrongs and losses 45,346 

Negotiations. (Set Indemnities; Military measures; Punishments; Prohibi- 
tion of arms, etc. ) 

purposes and policy oi the United States: circular note of July 3, P.HX), 
defining 1 12 

proposition of Li Ilung-chang for the commencement of 15,18 

conditions under which the united Status will enter 'upon 15, hi 

Russian charge" d'affaires inquires if the United States is prepared to 
enter upon without delay with Chinese plenipotentiaries 23 

Russian charge 1 d'affaires informed that United States minister at Peking 
• will he authorized to cuter into relations with Li Huug-chang and 
Prince Ohing 23 

punishments: German charge d'affaires communicates views of his Gov- 
ernment as to conditions to be exacted preliminary to entering upon 
negotiations 23 

punishments: Mr. Hill communicates to the German charge d'affaires 
the views of the United States Government in the matter of demand 
for .- - : - 4 

French charge d'affaires communicates purposes of his Government 26, 29 

memoranda to French charge d'affaires outlining intended policy of the 

I ' nited States * 27, 30 

correspondence with Prince Chi ng in regard to his and Li Hung-chang's 
appointment as negotiators: Mr. Conger suggests transfer of negotia- 
tions to Shanghai or Washington 32 , 

weakness of Chinese Government: Mr. Conger reports, and thinks the 
powers will have to devise a plan and China will he compelled to 
acec] »iit 39 

Emperor of China: Mr. Conger reports having suggested, in view of 
delay in beginning negotiations, trie return to Peking of; incloses note 
to Prince Clung 34 

.Emperor of China: Prince Cuing states that helms been memorial ixed 

to return to Peking 35 

delays in beginning negotiations: Mr. Conger reports, and makes sug- 
gestions in regard to 36 

preliminary convention submitted by Chinese plenipotentiaries 40,344 

views of United States on above propositions 345, 363 

conference, formal, of foreign ministers: Mr. Conger reports 43 



388 



INDEX. 



Page. 
43 



45 



Negotiations—Continued. 

conference of the powers: Mr. Conger reports progress towanl r general 
agreement .on general proposition: Mr. Conger reports progress of for- 
eign representatives toward ;. 

progress: rep. »rl in general on '.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'. 48*350 :?t> t 3(X 

deinands proposed to l>o presented to Chinese plenipotentiaries: Mr.' 

Conger transmits note setting forth 4ii 347 351 

views of United States as above demands 348, 349, ::.*>(>, 3oi,35ti, 35?] 35s] :>i»;> 

death penalty: Mr. Conger reports 'action toward securing change in 

demands for 7 54 

Chinese plenipotentiaries: Mr. Conner reports that satisfactory" "full 

powers nave not been exhibited by .' r>"> 

controversy as to introduction of the word "irrevocable," ami general 

report as to progress ;»»;, ;;;>;;, 354, 355 

.hunt Note containing demands of the powers: text «>i' 58, 852' 353 

Mr. Hay directs to sign Joint Note ;;.">;;, :;i>7' 

Joint Note delivered to Prince Ching, who presented full powers of him- 
self and Li Hung-chang 00,356 

Mr. Conger suggests impracticability of satisfactorily negotiating in 

Peking on questions of indemnity, etc 62 

joint demands of the powers: accoptanee by Chinese plenipotentiaries 

of 63, <i I, 356, .'».*»", 358 

Joint demands of the powers: reply to acceptance by Chinese plenipo- 

tentiaries, setting forth certain conditions ! 69,358 

approval by Mr. Hay of Mr. Rock hill's actions t»:> 

memorandum of British minister to China reviewing present status of 

negotiations: Mr. Rockhill transmits 1LV> 

Imperial ediet directing Chinese plenipotentiaries to bring pi*ace uego- 

tuttiona to a prompt close: Mr, Rockhill transmits 177 

delay in signing final protocol: Mr. Rockhill reports 298 

International commission for the conversion of the tariff: injections of 

British (government to 299 

tinal protocol: Mr. Kockhill transmits minutes »»t* (Conference at which 

it was signed 805 

final protocol: 

French text 306 

English text 312 

(For annexes, net Protocol, tina 

0, 

Order and pence: • 

Emperor of China requests President's assistance in restoring o'oq 

President's replies to Emperor*! appeal for assistance in restoring 13, 29 

P. 
Peace and order: , , 

Emperor of China requests President's assistance in restoring J-. - s 

President's replies to Emperor's appeal tor assistance in restoring l->. -* 

Peiho River. [Set Whangpu River, conservancy of, ) 

Plenipotentiaries of China: ,. .,,.> 

appointment of Li Hung-chang et al ' ' 1 c 

proposal of Li Hung-chang for commencement ot negotiations -- H>, "> 

conditions necessary to he complied with before the United Mates wilt 

enter Into negotiations: statement of •■ V?l ,(, » ,> " n > ,> - 

communication between Li Hung-chang and the Chinese authorities: 
Russian charge d'affaires asks opinion of United States Government 

on resolution of admirals to interdict -------- 

communication between Li Hung-chang and the Chinese authorities: 
Mr. Adee informs the Russian charge* d'affaires that it has not been ^ 

interdicted - - -. /i" V«;\V. 

communication between Li Hung-chang and the Chinese ant now us 
substance of Admiral Remey's report on proposal ot admirals ot aineu ^ 

fleet to interdict / 0" " i " " "„'," 

credentials: the United States hopes Li Hung-chang s, are full and com- ^ 

mitincV^ containing his.. 



INDEX. 



889 



»)■> 



-. > 



Plenipotentiaries of China— Continual. ,.,„. 

ordci ..i privy council for U llung-ehang and Prince China to proceed 

to icking to negotiate with the powers .,, 

plenipotentiary authority of l.i Hnng-chang and Y^nee'Ching:' United 

Mate* accepts as sufficient f*>r preliminary negotiation* 
negotiations: Prince Ching requests early opening of 

l.i 1 1 miff Chang's journey to Pckin: United states will facilitate 

lowers, full, ol Li Hung-ehatig and Prince Ching: Russian ehnnrf 

-I affaire* impure* H the 1'nited Slates recogniie* as sufficient 
levers, full, ..I Li Huiiff-chana and Print* Ching: Russian "iViarge 1 
•I aflame informed that the UiiIUmI States accepts a* sufficient for 

preli miliary negotiations .,., 

ointment of l.i Hung-chang and l»rini t >" ( 'hhij:' " M iVt '< .mmm : VranV- 

eoriwpondence. with Prince Chinff in regard to .. •;•> 

r.'h. ii,: ,.i IVkin: Mr. Ktmkhill trails,,, its correspondence dtseloHug iiiten- 
hon iij Chinese plenipotentiaries to bring some 3,000 troops to IVkin 
to police the city, uml the refusal of the diplomatic eoriw to allow it 247 

lost humous honors for Chang Vin-huan 254 ;;o;{ 

IVcsideiit of the United State-: 

transmits .Mr. RoekhiU's report to the Senate and House of Representa- 
tive* a 

reply t.» appeal of Kmperor of China for assistance in restoring peace and 

• "■' '«'»' 1 .",, 29 

Prince Chinff: orderof privy council to proceed to IVkin to negotiate with 

the Towers L >j 

Plenipotentiaries of Cliina.) 
Prohibition of arms, etc, : 

materials used in manufacture of ammunition: definitions of ;>«;i, :;»;:> 

report of the commission appointed to consider means to enforce: Mr. 

Rockhill reports discussion of lli,:J7<i 

rep »rt of the commission charged with determining measures^hecessary 

'• "• 130 

measure* to attain desired end: Mr. Rockhill transmits note to Chinese 

plenipotentiaries, asking that the Chinese Government take necessary. 297 
toilet, pn>\ idiiiL: for: Mr. Rockhill transmits correspondence in regard °to 

iin 303 

imperial ediet decreeing (annex 1 1 to final protocol) 326 

Protection of foreigners: Imperial edict cotniuanding (aunex 1«» to final 

pn •! o, , ,h :v.V2 

Protocol, final: 

delay in signing, Mr. Rockhill reports causes of 298,379 

signing of, Mr. Rockhill transmits minutes ot* conference at which it 

took place 306, 382 

text: 

French 306 

English 312 

Imperial edict accepting the twelve articles (annex 1 ) 319 

Imperial edict directing Prince Ch'iin to proceed to Germany on expi- 
atory mission (annex 2) 319 

monument, commemorative, to Baron von Ketteler: report that work 

has been begun on (annex 3) Mlt> 

Imperial edicts decreeing punishments (annexes 4, .">, and 6) 320,322,323 

Imperial edict restoring honors to certain officials (annex 7) 324 

Imperial edict suspending examinations (annex 8) 324 

Imperial edict decreeing expiatory mission to Japan (annex 9) 325 

list of desecrated cemeteries (annex 10) 825 

Imperial edict prohibiting importation of firearms, etc. (annex 11) 326 

proposals of Chinese plenipotentiaries as to pavment of indemnities (an- 
nex 12) 326 

indemnities: plan of amortisation (annex 13) 328 

legation quarter at Pekin: description of Ixuindaries of (annex 14) 330 

Imperial edict directed against secret societies (annex h">) .">;>1 

Imperial ediet commanding the protection of foreigners (annex hit.... :v.V2 
regulations for the improvement of the course of the Whangpu River 

(annex 17) : } :; ;2 

Imperial edict creating hoard of foreign affairs (annex 18) 331 

memorandum on ceremonial to l>e followed in solemn audience* 

(annex 19) :>>:ls 



890 INDEX. 

Punishments («* Expiatory missions): hi K0 . 

views of German Government in the matter of demand for 23 

views oi the United States Government in the matter of demand for!!! 24 348 

Imperial edict prescribing certain [>;,' 343 

views of United States as to above edict requested by German charge 1 

d'affaires ' „- 

views of United States as to above edict * " oA 343 $** 

Imperial edict prescribing- Mr. Conger regards it as wholly inad- 

0( 1 , V ,U '-:- .-: :-•-•-.-•-. ".— 3»,34»,3G1 

reprehensible punishment 01 pro-foreign Chinese officials 4«> 

demands to be made by foreign ministers tW punishment of Chinese 

. officials . ••••••;• -j - - - r.\, :;»«;. 350, 3ul,3tf8 

views ol I mtcd states as to alntve proposed demands 340 363 

execution of Chinese officials at Pao-tiug Ku: Mr. IWkhill reports 4<i 

military expedition to Bao-ting Ku: Mr. Rockhill's statement to vtcerov 

that United States to»fk no part in, is approved 17 

military expedition to Pao-ting Fu: Mr. Conger reports on !!!! 47,349 

inadequacy of prescribed nunishment*: Mr. Conger comment* on 48 

protest against honors bestowed on antiforeign Chinese, Tung Fu-hsiaug 

and Li Ping-heng m 51 

removal of Tung Fu-hsiang from court 55 

beheading of Kn Hai, charged with murder of German minister (»*.» 

proposed demands for certain t;u, .ua 

conference with Chinese plenipotentiaries: Mr. Conger reports particu- 
lars of, and incloses correspondence, indictment of guilty officials, 

secret decree, etc '. 71,360 

Imperial decrees fixing additional punishments: Mr. Conger forwards 

three, and comments on them as being unsatisfactory.: ss 

Imperial decree, satisfactory: Mr. Conger forwards 1 02,383 

discussion by foreign representatives W, 101, 112, :fo>4 

Chinese commissioners report that certain sentences have been carried 

out . . - - «M», «>S, 368 

examinations, suspension of: discussion by diplomatic representatives, 

and final satisfactory settlement o\ the question 10:>, 177. 178,21.1), 245, 281 

list scut to Chinese plenipotentiaries lL\'t 

looting foreign settlement at Peitaiho: punishment i»f parties guilty of.. 129 

carrying out of certain sentences: Mr. Kockhill reports .' 186,102 

demands for: Mr. Kockhill reports in detail as to ]\)'2 

Mr. Hill states that Department is gratified at Mr. RockuM's reports on 
the subject, and at his action in carrying out the ['resident's instruc- 
tions to oppose shedding of any more blood 219 

examinations, suspension of: Mr. Hill approves Mr. Kockhill's action 

in the matter 224 

Imperial edicts decreeing (annexes 4, 5, and 6 to final protocol) ;t20, 322, 323 

examinations, suspension of: Imperial edict decreeing (annex s to final 

protocol ) 324 

Purposes ami policy of the United State*: 

circular note ol July :>, IH00, defining 12 

general instructions to Mr. Kockhill, United States commissioner 14 

K. 

Reforms: {Set Ceremonial, court; Foreign office, Chinese.) 

Mr. Kockhill transmits correspondence with the Yangtxe viecrov> m 
the subject 170 

Rehabilitation of Chang Yin-huan 254,303 

Report of Mr. Kockhill: 

transmitted to the President by the Secretary of State 3 

transmitted by the President to the Senate and House of Represcnta- 

t i ves 

text of ;{ 

Resources of China, {Set Indemnities,) 

Restoration of order and peace: 

Emperor of China requests President's assistance in ^ la 

President's reply to Emperor's appeal b%«9 

Chinese forces, regular: Mr. Kockhill transmits letter from Li Hung- 
chang asking permission to use 182 



INDEX, 391 

Revenue* of China («v Indemnities): i>, liri .. 

to Im> set aside for |>a\ nu'tit of indemnities consideration by diplomatic 

corps of question of mm j>27 244 

Mr. Hill approves Mr. Rockhill's art ion ....... '" ' 230 

Revision of treaties. (\r Treaties.) 
Rockhill, \V. W., United States commissioner: 

appointment and (general instructions ]4 t 340 

report transmitted through the Secretary of State and the President to 

the Senate and House of Representatives 3 

Russia: 

cliargc d'affaires asks opinion of the United Static Government >n reso- 
lution oi* admirals of allied Heet to interdict communication between 
Li Hung-chang and the Chinese authorities 17 

Mr. Adee informs the Russian charge 1 d'affaires that communication 
between Li llung-chang and the Chinese authorities ha., not been 
interdicted 17 

Mr. Adee communicates to Russian charge* d'affaires the substance of 
Admiral Remy's report on proposal of admirals of allied fleet to inter- 
dict communication between Li lluug-clumgand the Chinese author- 
ities is 

declaration of Russia's purposes, and views of the United States there- 
on , 19, 20, 340 

charge* d'affaires requests views of the United States Government on 
question** at issue 23 

memorandum in reply to inquiries as to purposes of the United states.. 28 

withdrawal of Russian troops from Peking: Sir. Conger reports 33,341 

Russian charge d'affaires inquires if United States intends to transfer its 
legation to Tientsin 23, 341 

Russian charge d'affaires informed that United States has no present 
intention to withdraw its legation from lVkin 23.341 



Secretary of State: transmits Mr. Rockhill's report to the Trstident 3 

Secret societies: Imperial decree directed against (annex 15 to final protocol). 331 
Suspension of examinations. {S't Punishments. ) 

T. 

Tariffs, changes in. 378, 379, 380 

Treaties, commercial: 

Mr. Hill forwards to Mr. Rockhill a report by Mr. John A. Kasson, 
ppecial commissioner plenijaitentiary, ami accompanying communica- 

""* " t ions, on the subject of revision of ..* 208 

Views of United States 368 

Tsungli Yamen: Mr. Kockhill incloses correspondence showing transfer to 

Chinese plenipotentiaries of the records of 153 

W. 

Wbangpu River: conservancy of: 

commission to recommend plan for: Mr. Kockhill reports appoint- 
ment of 161 

correspondence in regard to: Mr. Rockhill transmits 257, 379 

agreement arrived at: Mr. Rockhill reports in regard to 290 

financial cooperation of the Chinese Government: Mr. Kockhill trans- 
mit* note to ( 'hinese plenipotentiaries asking the 299 

objections of Chinese officials to the scheme: Mr. Kockhill transmits cor- 
respondence in regard to 300 

regulations for improvement of course of (annex 17 to final protocol) .. 333 

Withdrawal of troops: 

inadvisability of: Mr. Rockhill gives reasons to show 110 

reduction of expeditionary forces reported 185, 341, 373 

proclamation of the powers reciting events which brought about occu- 
pation by foreign troops, and the conditions of evacuation: Mr. nock- 
hill t sansmits 274 

Woosung River: improvement of navigation of 381 

Y. 

Yangtze viceroys: correspondence with Chinese plenipotentiaries in regard 

to probable removal of 43 

o 



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